Lean In – A Discussion

Lean In – Women, work and the will to lead is a book by the COO of Facebook – Sheryl Sandberg. She “wants to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what women can do”. With Lean In, Sheryl is rebooting feminism, seeking to create an equal world of opportunities and responsibilities for men and women.

Sheryl uses the book to start a debate on why there are too few women in top positions.

Of all of the people in parliament in the world, only 13% are women.

In the corporate sector, women at the top C-level jobs, boards tops out at 15-16%.

Even in non-profit world, women at the top are 20%.

This post is an ode to all the women who balance work and home front, and to all the men who support their wives and are involved in-house work & parenting. This post comes with no judgment. As I stated in my other post I respect and admire those women who make a decision (to work or to stay-at-home) and live by it with confidence and satisfaction. Both decisions are rough and I acknowledge that it’s tough for women to have it all (Sheryl Sandberg’s view on this is different but we are entitled to our own opinions, aren’t we?)

I would like to use this platform to share couple of points regarding parenting raised by Sheryl through various talks and her Lean In Org.

Equal upbringing

Sheryl Sandberg admits that her generation of women can’t create equality.

So it’s on us as parents to encourage our young girls and boys to dream high and achieve an equal society.

We should avoid calling girls as bossy in playground and women as aggressive at work. We should aim for equal upbringing by raising boys to share housework and discussing current affairs with girls. Fathers should become more involved in parenting.

Of all the contributing parents on Parentous.com, only 3 are Dads. I am extending my kudos to the Dad contributors here. Thank you, you men make it seem achievable.

Parenting deserves recognition

Men and women alike should not be ashamed of stating parenting as the reason to leave early from work or opt for a flexible work schedule. This should not be seen as a means to measure the level of commitment at work.

On a similar note, a person who juggles parenting couple of kids with work is no less than a person who juggles couple of demanding, creative hobbies (travel/gymnastics) with work. Parenting is a tough job and it should get the recognition it so much deserves in the work environment.

Lean In organisation is a global community to encourage and support women leaning in to their ambition. It is a community to get men involved in the debate, to get men to Lean In too. I encourage you to browse through stories of women and men who are committed to Lean In. There are some brilliant training materials available to not fall victim to unconscious stereotyping and to create a level playing field for everyone.

I would like to make it clear that I am not getting any sort of monetary benefits by advertising Lean In. This is based purely on my interest.

If you have a Lean In story, do share it.

Divya Rao is a mother to a 4 yr old bundle of joy. She has one eye set on growing her career and the other watching and enjoying her little one grow up.