15-August-2013

On a panel at the National Journal's 2013 Women 2020 event, Mary Bono of FaegreBD Consulting, a former congresswoman from California, said she has witnessed how societal expectations affect female leaders. Scripps Howard Foundation Wire quoted the congresswoman's remarks in a recent article. "Last year, two of my fellow co-chairs, subcommittee chairs, left," Bono said. "It's like, guys wouldn't do that. You don't pick up a subcommittee chair and leave. You stick around ‘til you're the full chair."

Bono also said women are likely to look past political differences in order to pass legislation. "I think that people back home appreciate female leadership because it comes in with open arms. It comes in trying to bring everybody together," Bono remarked at the event.

Bono also underscored that there is still work to be done regarding gender equality in politics. Scripps Howard recounted a story she told at the conference recalling when she was at a black-tie dinner discussing missile defense systems. A man seated next to her said, "Oh, little lady, this topic is way too difficult for you to understand." When the man discovered Bono was not only a congresswoman, but also a member of the Armed Services Committee, he tried to discuss missile defense with her.

View the full panel discussion from the Women 2020 Conference.