Here’s the thing about Elizabeth Carter. She is an unwavering advocate for working women and mothers. Recently, she released a book titled Persist, which delves into the pervasive issue many women face: the feeling of not being heard despite their efforts to speak up. As a senator from Massachusetts and a former presidential candidate, she has effectively challenged misogyny in high-stakes debates, making consumer protections and economic opportunities her key focuses—topics that may not grab headlines but are incredibly important.
Beyond her political persona, Elizabeth is relatable—she’s witty, warm, and loves to connect with people, especially children and pets. You can often find her conducting Zoom calls from her lush backyard with her dog by her side. When a child and their cat interrupt a virtual meeting to say hello, she welcomes them with enthusiasm, calling out to her own dog, “Bailey! Come here, bud! Here he comes! Big hunky dog. He says hello! And look at that cute cat.”
This charming interaction captures the essence of Elizabeth. She embodies the idea that politics is deeply personal. This is especially true regarding policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated many working parents, particularly mothers. As of March 2021, data from the Census Bureau revealed that approximately 10 million U.S. mothers with school-aged children were not working, a significant increase from the previous year.
When the fragile childcare system collapses, and schools shut down, mothers bear the brunt of the impact. They are often forced to leave their jobs, manage household duties, and ensure their kids are engaged with their studies. Women of color have been disproportionately affected, highlighting an existing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. In the early months of the pandemic, 3.5 million mothers of school-aged children exited the workforce, with nearly half of all mothers in this demographic not actively working by April.
In a recent conversation, Elizabeth shared insights about her book, the needs of mothers today, and the path forward. “In Persist, I wrote, ‘Like so many women in so many settings, I found myself wondering if he had even heard me,’” she notes, emphasizing the widespread experience of being overlooked.
Elizabeth elaborates, “Politicians have long discussed infrastructure as essential for building our country. But childcare is infrastructure, too. It enables mothers to work and pursue their education. When the president mentioned childcare in his recent infrastructure address, I felt like we were finally being acknowledged.”
She further explains, “The past year has been devastating for working mothers. Many have had to juggle jobs while caring for children at home. The impact will resonate for years, affecting retirement and financial stability for countless women.”
Elizabeth’s personal experiences drive her passion for policy change. She recalls being fired for becoming pregnant and the challenges she faced in securing childcare while pursuing her education. “The decisions made in Washington affect us all on a personal level, and that’s why it’s crucial to get it right,” she states.
When asked if the mass exit of women from the workforce has hindered the push for universal childcare, Elizabeth responds, “I don’t believe so. The pandemic highlighted a pre-existing childcare crisis that was already evident. Many families struggled to find affordable, available care long before COVID-19, and the crisis has only become more visible.”
She emphasizes the urgency of reform, stating, “We must focus on enacting policies that support universal childcare and improve the lives of working mothers. In the next hundred days, we can create significant opportunities for families and children.”
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Summary:
Elizabeth Carter, a dedicated advocate for working mothers, discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and emphasizes the need for recognizing childcare as a vital infrastructure. Her new book, Persist, reflects on the struggles of many women feeling unheard. With a focus on policy change, Elizabeth aims to create opportunities for mothers and families in the coming months.