Compare that to the last presidential campaign, where the wage gap between men and women was discussed only as a side comment by John Kerry in one debate. “It was like a pickup line in a seedy bar. Like, ‘I’m going to get some women voters here,’” says Rowe-Finkbeiner. “I’ve really seen a change, in that these issues are being taken more seriously and addressed more seriously. Due to that, I think more women will probably turn out to vote. But that remains to be seen.”
For Blades, the future looks rosy. With increased funding from foundations and philanthropists flooding in, she’d like to hire more staff ers to concentrate on each issue area, “so that we can really get our membership engaged more deeply and broadly.” And she anticipates that, as the organization gains wider publicity and support, there will be more victories like state-mandated family leave and BPA withdrawal. “Most companies and government agencies want to be doing a good job, and they see we can help them,” she says.
Leaning back on the stoop, Blades looks around and beams a high-wattage smile. “We’re getting results because people know that mothers aren’t just thinking of themselves; we’re more likely to take the long view, and we can be trusted,” she says. Later, as the two walk through the campus at Omega, Rowe-Finkbeiner puts it a bit more bluntly. “Let’s be honest,” she says. “We’re kicking some butt.”