The novel Becoming Madam Secretary explores the challenges faced by women in government through the life and career of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a US presidential cabinet. Throughout the narrative, Frances encounters numerous obstacles that highlight the difficulties that women faced in the political sphere during the early 20th century, but she refuses to let these obstacles stop her from achieving her goals.

From the outset of her career, Frances faces skepticism and dismissal due to her gender. When she moves to Hell's Kitchen in 1909 to work at the Hartley House, her supervisor, Miss Mathews, questions why a woman would want to study economics, reflecting the prevalent belief that certain fields were unsuitable for women. This attitude persists as Frances advances in her career, with her ambitions often met with surprise or resistance. As Frances becomes more involved in politics and labor reform, she continues to encounter further systemic barriers. Her efforts to lobby for labor reforms, including limiting working hours for women, are initially opposed by male politicians, including Franklin D. Roosevelt. When she is appointed to government positions, such as the Industrial Commission of New York, she must navigate a predominantly male environment, often facing additional scrutiny due to her gender.