Frances Perkins Quote by Hillary Rodham Clinton
““To quote Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, under FDR, “The accusation that I’m a woman is incontrovertible.””
About This Quote
Frances Perkins acknowledges that gender is an undeniable part of her identity, yet she emphasizes competence over gendered assumptions.
In simple terms: Gender is a factual part of identity, not a limitation.
Identity and professional ability coexist without hierarchy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- a woman entering a male-dominated field
- a female politician addressing gender bias
- a leader confronting stereotypes
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- highlight achievements over gender labels
- mentor underrepresented groups
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders celebrate identity while promoting meritocracy?
- What impact does visible representation have on aspiring women?
Emphasizing gender can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes if not balanced with merit focus.