Sheryl Sandberg wants men to join the fight for women's equality — and some of the NBA's biggest names are helping her spread the word.
The Facebook COO and “Lean In” author has launched a new campaign with her nonprofit organization, LeanIn.org — but this time, her message is for men. “Lean In Together” aims to get men involved in the fight for women’s equality by supporting women in the workplace and at home. Their website notes that equality isn't just good for women — it's better for men, too. "Children with involved fathers are happier, healthier, and more successful. Couples that share responsibilities have stronger marriages. Diverse teams and companies produce better results," states the Lean In Together website.
LeanIn.org has also partnered with the NBA on the project, and released a PSA starring several high-profile NBA stars, including LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. In the video, NBA and WNBA athletes speak about how they’re supporting the women in their lives so they can “lean in.” “When men lean in, everyone wins,” the video proclaims.
A second PSA, made in partnership with the MAKERS documentary series, features a roster of powerful women, such as Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Condoleezza Rice, and Lena Dunham, talking about how the men in their lives supported their careers and ambitions.
The Lean In Together website offers tips for men on how they can support women in the workplace — by giving women credit, by challenging unconscious biases, and evaluating women’s performance fairly — themes that are likely familiar to anyone who has read Sandberg’s “Lean In.”
The site also features tips for how men can support women at home, such as splitting household and childcare duties equally and challenging gender stereotypes, and it encourages women and men to tweet using #LeanInTogether to show their support.
Sandberg’s book “Lean In,” released in March 2013, is a career advice book and manifesto that encouraged women to “lean in” to their careers, pursue their ambitions, and become leaders in the workforce. The book, co-written with veteran TV writer Nell Scovell, was a New York Times and Amazon bestseller. Sandberg also launched LeanIn.org, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, at the same time. The organization is dedicated to “offering women the ongoing inspiration and support to help them achieve their goals,” according to its website.