WWR Staff
PALO ALTO, Calif.,
LeanIn.Org announced the second season of its successful #LeanInTogether public awareness campaign in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The campaign emphasizes how men can support the women in their lives and the benefits to everyone—starting with men themselves—when they do.
More than three decades after women became 50 percent of college graduates in the United States, women leaders constitute just 4 percent of S&P 500 CEOs and hold only 19 percent of U.S. congressional seats.
Based on findings in the Women in the Workplace study by LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company, we are more than one hundred years away from gender equality in the C-suite. Even though 70 percent of women work outside the home, they continue to do a majority of the child care and housework.
Research shows that everyone benefits when men take an active role in promoting equality and empowering women. Children with involved fathers are happier, healthier, and more successful. Couples who share responsibilities have stronger marriages. Diverse teams and companies produce better results. Men benefit directly from being active fathers and equal partners as well, enjoying better health, more personal happiness, and greater job satisfaction.
“Men leaning in is a win-win proposition,” said Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and founder of LeanIn.Org. “When men are dedicated fathers and partners, they have healthier, happier children and stronger relationships. When they stand up for gender equality at work, they outperform their peers. Equality is not just the right thing for men—it’s the smart thing.”
Since its launch in March 2015, the #LeanInTogether campaign has reached an estimated 480 million people on social media, and millions of NBA fans saw the PSA on TV and at games. This year’s campaign, featuring Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz), and Becky Hammon (San Antonio Spurs Assistant Coach), focuses on how men can play four influential roles—All-Star Dad, 50/50 Partner, Workplace MVP, and Stand-Up Guy—to help women succeed.