LeanIn.Org, NBA, WNBA, and NBPA Expand Campaign to Highlight Critical Role Men Play in Achieving Gender Equality

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LeanIn.Org today 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.

"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.

"Teamwork, integrity, and respect are core values of the NBA, WNBA, and LeanIn.Org, and we are proud to continue our partnership with the #LeanInTogether campaign," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "We are excited to build on our work with Sheryl and her team to support inclusion and equality for men and women at home, in the workplace, and in our communities."

On March 23, the NBA and LeanIn.Org will unveil a new PSA in addition to a series of online vignettes highlighting the personal stories of Bosh, Green, Hayward, and Hammon. Bosh shares how he and his wife, Adrienne, built an equal partnership grounded in supporting one another's careers; Green shares how he supports his mom and why getting to equality is important; Hayward shares the importance of being an engaged father for his daughter and a supportive husband to his wife, Robyn; and Hammon celebrates her head coach's support of her career. The video is available here, and the embed code is: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4DelvMWO3Fk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>. Photos are available for download here (Photo credit: NBAE/Getty Images).

At leanintogether.org, visitors can access research-based tips to help men promote equality at home as an All-Star Dad and 50/50 Partner and at work as a Workplace MVP. The tips are based on social science research on the benefits of gender equality and are augmented by articles and videos. Visitors can register to receive a tip a week via text message or email.  Men can also find articles and resources on how to promote equality everyday as a Stand-Up Guy.

"Last year we introduced #LeanInTogether and the important role men play in reaching equality," said LeanIn.Org co-founder and president Rachel Thomas. "This year, our tips and resources build on this narrative by showing men the specific ways they can lean in to support women and girls."

Why are efforts like #LeanInTogether so important? The world is far from equal. More than three decades after women became 50 percent of college graduates in the United States, they still 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. 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.

LeanIn.Org believes that men are a vital part of the gender equality equation. We hope that men everywhere will take this opportunity both to share their support for equality and learn and practice new skills. Men are encouraged to participate in the campaign by posting a personal photo with their families, friends, or colleagues or a personal story about how they support women, adding the phrase "Proud to do my part for the women in my life. #LeanInTogether." Women are invited to celebrate the men who lean in for equality by posting with the hashtag #LeanInTogether.

QUOTES FROM BOSH, GREEN, HAYWARD, AND HAMMON

"I want my wife to feel supported in her career, just like I want my daughters to grow up knowing they can be anything they want to be," said Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh. "I'm proud to be part of this campaign because it highlights something men know intuitively—we all benefit from a more equal world."

"My mother taught me the important values in life, and it's her support that got me to where I am today," said Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. "I support equality for men and women—we've come far but there is so much further to go."

"I want the best for my daughter because I love her," said Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward. "Spending time with her now will help her succeed in the future by giving her the confidence that no matter what issue she faces, I will be there for her. She can always count on me."

"Coach Pop didn't care that I was a woman," said San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon.  "What he cared about was whether or not I could help the team and do the job. I happen to be female, but leadership knows no gender."

ABOUT LEANIN.ORG

LeanIn.Org is the nonprofit organization founded by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg to empower all women to achieve their ambitions. LeanIn.Org offers inspiration and support through an online community, free education materials, and Lean In Circles, small peer groups that meet regularly to learn and grow together. The LeanIn.Org community now encompasses nearly 750,000 women and men and more than 27,000 Lean In Circles in more than 135 countries.

CONTACT: [email protected]

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SOURCE LeanIn.Org