'We're in the 19th century': Tammy Duckworth on motherhood and the Senate

When Senator Tammy Duckworth has her second child this spring, she will make history as the first senator to give birth in office.

When she announced her pregnancy, Duckworth received an outpouring of well wishes and sparked a national conversation about how women balance high-powered careers and motherhood. Some viewed the news as a sign of progress for female politicians. While for others it was reminder of the slow pace of change – and of the gender gap that remains in Congress.

Duckworth, who was surprised by the response, tends to agree with the latter.

“I feel like the Senate is actually in the 19th century as opposed to the 21st somehow and that’s really unfortunate,” said the Democrat from Illinois, during an interview in her office.

“It’s a reflection of a real need for more women in leadership across our country, whether it’s legislatively or in boardrooms or the military.”


Source : theguardian