Women’s History Month
When women ascend into leadership roles, trolls often become a de facto job hazard.
Last month, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern decided she was out of steam.
But at home, Ardern faced scrutiny,online vitriol, andthreats to her safety.
Tough becomes cold, decisive becomes bossy, outspoken becomes shrill.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib
In 2018, Tlaib won her race to represent Michigans 12th Congressional District.
Im always outworking the hate.
When I see others [calling out power structures], I think of it as courage.
Men do it and theyre courageous.
I do it and Im called a lightning rod.
I went on a 26-mile hike last year, and Ineverthought I could do something like that.
A friend got me into it.
I even bought hiking boots for the first time.
Theres something about your phone not being able to work.
Its almost like youre in a different world.
It used to be massages [that would provide relief].
It used to be writing in a journal.
It used to be novels.
Now I physically [remove] myself from any connection to the toxicity.
I also feel liberated being among people who knew me before I became an elected person.
I sort of say, You wont feel like this tomorrow to myself.
I take a stab at do something that takes me out of myself.
Sheena has been transformative for me and my work.
I think that was the term he used.
It was really hurtful.
He said I had a jittery presentation, which is something Im quite self-conscious about.
Thats what I woke up to on a Friday morning.
It was definitely a shock.
It pulls you down into the mud.
My mom was the first person I talked to.
She was really helpful.
And then I immediately talked to my best friend, who lives in Baltimore.
He had to go after a superficial thing [like my voice].
I ended up going to a SoulCycle class.
Its a place where I cant be on my phone, which is really limited these days.
I like to cycle for a little quiet reflection.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
The Michigan pediatricians research helped expose theFlint water crisis.
[When Im feeling frustrated or my work is ignored], these kids are my inspiration.
Interactions with them enable me to go forward.
Find the thing that you care about, that keeps you up at night.
My next bit of advice, especially for young people, is to find your people.
I have been blessed to have a village, and often a village of sisters, at my side.
There are ups and downs to making the world a better place.
you oughta do this as a team.
This is also a story ofnevertheless, she persisted, right?
Its a long game change doesnt happen overnight, so keep at it.
These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onMarch 29, 2023
