Off the Sidelines

We need a Rosie the Riveter for our generation. Imagine if six million more women voted this year than did four years ago. We would see a dramatic change in the representation of Congress and in the policies it implements.

It's unpatriotic and irresponsible to ignore sexism.

"Getting off the sidelines is a state of mind," says Senator Gillibrand, a matter of "understanding that women's voices matter."

Power and ambition are still not considered ladylike terms. Rather than despair over the image of Lady Macbeth and her murderous power play, I went to New York City last week for The WIE Symposium, where I had the opportunity to speak with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. I asked them both about how we can change the largely negative connotations our culture has surrounding women, power and ambition.

In nine short years we will mark a full century since women won the right to vote. This next decade will be crucial not only for the future of women but for the future of America. I know we can and will do more because we have to. We are the solution.

If they all win, the percentage of the Wisconsin state senate that are women will rise from around 25% to a third. That is the very essence of getting off the sidelines.

In the U.S. today, women are paid only 78 cents on the dollar that men make. If the highest court in the land won't protect women from discrimination in the workplace, then we must stand together and demand action from Congress.