Listen up, Boston. With all of the ruckus that went down over Obama’s visit to Faneuil Hall this week, you may not have realized that the most powerful woman in American politics was in the Hub as well. U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was here supporting women’s equality – and as an added bonus, was able to cheer on the Red Sox as they won a World Series victory.
Pelosi agreed to talk with BostInno about her time spent in Boston promoting the women’s agenda. Besides witnessing an epic Red Sox win, the former Speaker also joined a conversation at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Presidential Report on American Women.
The reason for her initiative is clear: Men and women in America are currently not on equal footing – and the proof is in the numbers. The first woman Speaker points to several sad statistics including a long existing pay gap (women continue to make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes) and the fact that women account for two-thirds of minimum wage workers. The recent inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame shares with us her views on women’s equality, leadership and even, baseball.
You’ve been traveling the country in support of House Democrats’ economic agenda for women and families, When Women Succeed, America Succeeds. Why is this initiative so important?
Too many women today bear unjust and unequal financial burdens simply because of outdated policies that limit women’s full participation in our economy. Our agenda – which stands on the core pillars of ensuring equal pay, promoting work and family balance through paid family and medical leave, and providing access to quality, affordable child care – will unleash the power of America’s women and help guarantee that future generations will enjoy our country’s promise of equal rights, equal treatment, and equal opportunity. When all women succeed, we know America succeeds.
If you could impart one piece of advice to women in Boston, what would it be?
Be ready –know your own power and be ready to use it. You just don’t know what opportunity will present itself, and when. Young women should have the confidence that whatever they have been doing will prepare them in a unique way for the challenges ahead. We all have mentors, but your greatest asset is your individuality. You should be ready for your own opportunities and reach for your dreams.
Do you believe that women can have it all?
Every woman should have the opportunity to pursue her own dreams – be it thriving at the workplace, raising her children at home, or both. Child care is the missing link, which is why it is such a central piece of our women’s economic agenda. When I ran for Congress, my youngest child – out of five – was already a senior in high school. I was blessed to have the opportunity to raise my family and then come to Congress, and I’m in awe of the many young moms doing both now.
What is something that our Boston readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m addicted to watching sports – I watch everything and just love it! Baseball, football, soccer, you name it. As a proud fan of last year’s World Series winners, my hometown San Francisco Giants, it was thrilling to be at Fenway Park Wednesday night and cheer on your Red Sox as they clinched their third World Series title in the last ten years. From finishing at the bottom of their division last year to winning it all this year, this Red Sox team showed a resilience that is truly emblematic of the city and fans they play for.
How much did it mean to you personally to be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls a few weeks ago?
I am so deeply humbled by the honor. I have been in awe of the suffragettes for my whole life. That these women left home and spoke out in their own families about women’s rights more than 165 years ago is quite remarkable to me. When I became Democratic Leader and Speaker of the House, I knew that I was standing on the shoulders of giants. Now it is my responsibility to ensure that future generations can stand on mine.
What do you love most about your visits to Boston?
What’s not to love about coming to Boston? It’s an intellectual hub, a leader in innovation and technology, and, of course, home to delicious Italian food. Bostonians are proud, resilient, and passionate – and I’m honored to count so many as friends.
