“Lean In,” by Sheryl Sandberg
Chapter Eleven:  “Working Together Toward Equality”

After nearly a year thinking about, discussing, and analyzing this book, I'm finally leaving you with my review of the final chapter.  Here we go in Sandberg's own words.

“My greatest hope is that my son and my daughter will be able to choose what to do with their lives without external or internal obstacles slowing them down or making them question their choices. …  I hope they both end up exactly where they want to be.  And when they find where their true passions lie, I hope they both lean in – all the way.”

Thus ends the final chapter of this thoughtful book.  And it’s a mission that I can get behind.  One of the biggest challenges that I have faced as a late 21^st century woman is the tendency to question my choices – the constant internal analysis of whether I’m doing what I’m doing because it’s the best choice for me and my family, or whether I’m missing something that I should be doing, like emulating my nearly perfect mother, who is a wonderful example of what a woman can achieve by focusing her energies on her home, husband, and children.

I don’t want my daughter or my sons to have to agonize over their choices.  I want them to know that they can do anything, truly, and expect my support.  The only thing that should constrain them is the need to choose something that sustains them:  physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally; but beyond that, the sky’s the limit.

In this final chapter, Sandberg reminds us that too often in the past, the biggest obstacle to women achieving great things in the workplace has been other women.  She emphasizes that not only do men and women need to work together to ensure equality for all, but also – and especially – women need to be there for one another, encouraging excellence, supporting female colleagues, and cheering for those who move ahead, rather than criticizing their choices.

Sandberg encourages us to continue the fight, but to continue it together.  There are still inequalities out there, so we must work together to fix the system.  I’ll end this chapter review in her words, which seem a fitting end.   “I have written this book to encourage women to dream big, forge a path through the obstacles, and achieve their full potential.  I am hoping that each woman will set her own goals and reach for them with gusto.  And I am hoping that each man will do his part to support women in the workplace and in the home, also with gusto.  As we start using the talents of the entire population, our institutions will be more productive, our homes will be happier, and the children growing up in those homes will no longer be held back by narrow stereotypes.”

If you're interested in hearing more, join my friends Elizabeth and Stacy, and our new friend Carole, as we discuss "Lean In," and women's changing roles in the 21st century.  You can find our discussion at the Africa Conversations podbean channel:  africaconversations.podbean.com/ under "Women, Work, and Leadership."