When it comes to politics, we have an internal glass…
“When it comes to politics, we have an internal glass ceiling. We stand as good a chance as a man to win a political race, but women don't want to run at the same rate as men do. People point to the work-family balance issue, but I think it's much more than that. Many women don't have children, or have children who are no longer at home. There are some deeper psychological and emotional issues in play, like the fact that many of us feel like the embarrassment, humiliation and personal demonization in politics are simply more than our hearts can take. What stops us is fear.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Women often self‑limit political ambition due to fear, societal expectations, and emotional pressures, creating an invisible barrier to participation.
In simple terms: Fear and expectations keep women from politics.
Address fear and support women to run.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaign training
- mentorship programs
- media representation
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears hold you back?
- How can institutions reduce political intimidation?
Structural sexism also plays a role.