19 Women In Congress Reveal The Subtle (And Overt) Sexism They’ve Dealt With On Capitol Hill

A record number of women are headed to Congress in January, a significant accomplishment on the path toward gender parity. In light of this landmark achievement, Bustle spoke to women in Congress about the sexism they facedwhen they were first elected to office at both local and federal levels, as well as about what they've seen change over the years since.

"Coming in from a special election mid-year in 2012, my start in Congress was a whirlwind," Bonamici tells Bustle. "From the very beginning I knew I wanted to empower other women, regardless of their stage in life."

Bonamici recalls that she hired a woman who recently gave birth as she was the most qualified person to be her district director. That person moved to Washington, D.C. with her baby.