If Congress refuse to listen to and grant what women ask, there is but one course left then to pursue. What is there left for women to do but to become the mothers of the future government?

In this quote, Victoria Woodhull, a pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement and the first woman to run for president of the United States, articulates the frustration and determination of women who were denied a voice in the political process. She asserts that if Congress refuses to listen to or grant women their demands, such as the right to vote, then women have no choice but to take matters into their own hands. Woodhull advocates for women to become the mothers of the future government, implying that they should raise and nurture the next generation of leaders who will challenge the status quo.

Woodhull’s words reflect her radical and forward-thinking approach to women’s rights. She believed that the political system was failing to represent the needs and desires of women, and that if the existing institutions were unwilling to grant them rights, women could instead take a different, more indirect approach. By focusing on their role as mothers, women could influence the future of society by shaping the minds of future leaders and preparing them for the political battles ahead.

The origin of this quote lies in Woodhull’s advocacy for women's rights during a time when suffrage and gender equality were not widely accepted in the United States. As a suffragist and activist, she used bold language to challenge societal norms and push for the empowerment of women. Her call to become the "mothers of the future government" was a strategic appeal to women’s maternal power and influence, emphasizing that if they couldn't participate directly in government, they could still play a crucial role in shaping its future.

Ultimately, Woodhull’s statement is a call for action and empowerment. It highlights her belief in the influence of women, even in the face of systemic oppression, and urges them to take responsibility for the future by raising children who would grow up to challenge the traditional structures of power. Her vision was not just about seeking rights for women, but about fundamentally transforming society through the influence of women as both caretakers and political changemakers.