Maternal Metamorphosis: Trailblazing Women Remake Lawmaking
In the heart of Virginia’s historic Statehouse, a revolution is brewing. Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling, the first woman to vote remotely after giving birth, is a beacon of empowerment.
In an institution once dominated by men, women lawmakers now account for a third of the seats. Among them, nearly two dozen navigate the delicate balance between motherhood and politics, facing the unique challenges of raising young children while serving the public.
As Delegate Bolling labored, the burden of societal expectations weighed heavy on her. Yet, she recognized her unwavering commitment to her constituents and the significance of her vote. Speaker Don Scott, embracing the values of inclusivity, made an unprecedented decision to grant her permission to participate remotely.
“We strive to embody our values,” Scott declared. “We espouse the importance of families and empowering individuals with young children. It’s time for our legislatures to reflect the diversity of society.”
The delegation of power to Delegate Bolling symbolizes a seismic shift in legislative norms. For centuries, women have faced barriers to representation, with men outnumbering them in the Virginia House by an astonishing margin. Today, Virginia stands as a shining example of progress, boasting one of the highest representations of mothers in statehouses nationwide.
Colorado and a handful of other states have also embraced remote participation for health reasons. However, 31 states continue to prohibit this accommodation, highlighting the glaring absence of policies designed for the needs of working mothers.
“Proxy voting is a crucial step towards modernizing our legislatures,” advocates Liuba Grechen Shirley of the Vote Mama Foundation. “It’s essential that we fully integrate caregivers into the legislative process.”
Delegate Adele McClure, a new mother, has firsthand experience with the challenges of navigating postpartum motherhood while serving. She believes that proxy voting opportunities should become commonplace, reflecting the unpredictability of health and the importance of supporting caregivers.
On the floor of the House, Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker has advocated for remote voting, sharing her experiences of bringing her young child to legislative sessions. She envisions a future where the U.S. Congress follows suit, recognizing the imperative of ensuring lawmakers can effectively serve without neglecting their personal responsibilities.
As the debate raged on the tax-related bill, the clerk called out “Delegate LeVere Bolling?” From miles away, her voice resonated through the chamber with an emphatic “Aye.” The bill passed, a testament to the transformative impact of female leadership and the unwavering spirit of mothers who refuse to be silenced.
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