I learned to Lean In.

As humans, we cannot live in a world without conflict arising. We have our own differing opinions and ideas, and it can result in one powering over the other, oppression and pain stemming from it. We have a lot of issues in the world, and we are far from an idealist's dream. And one of those problems is sexism.

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

 

Feminism. Oh wow, it's one of the most intriguing subjects I have come across. Although interpreted the other way, feminism is not about promoting women to a higher authority than men; it's about balancing the genders so the scales won't tip - the division of the gender roles being shattered, the conventional gender norms being smashed and the concept of working women being normalized.

"The myth of doing it all."

 I'm not an expert on feminism. But a book that I picked up recently (and just could not put down till I finished) is filled with data, hard science-backed data, and the author's own anecdotes which made me howl with laughter, empathize with the issues described, and caused me anger at the appropriate moments. Sheryl Sandberg, the CEO of Facebook, has taken into account every aspect of the problems faced by working women same and different, by women who have taken different choices than others, and by women who want to stand up for themselves.

She has succeeded in finding and putting together several pieces of information and collectively creating a book loaded with studies and stories without which the book wouldn't be the most alluring and thought-provoking non-fiction I have read in my life. And her work is undoubtedly, 'Lean In'.

"Sit at the table."

For her, it is about showing the women in the world that they can be right about making a choice that matters to them, no matter what anyone else says. It is about slashing through the curtain of guilt that working mothers feel, having undergone it herself. It is about encouraging women to stand up for each other, to have one another's back. It is also about encouraging men to take up some of the bulk at home so that women can one day work alongside men in the workplace. And finally, it is about emboldening the community of both genders to sustain one another so that in the upshot, we will work mutually with no gender norms and no gender barriers restraining us.

"It's a jungle gym, not a ladder."

She has acknowledged that it will take a prolonged time to get this in place, but she also notes that it should have been at best a tad further than it is today, for it had started out a long time ago.

What begins in your mind as a frail, feeble impression of feminism grows into a full-fledged, firm idea which helps you form your own opinions as you read this book.

With splendid and uncanny candor, she managed to illustrate the endless obstacles she and other women endure solely because of their "feminine" qualities (or lack thereof). She managed to set forth the solid truth and that is a marvel in itself.

To every book worm who wants another good read, this is an excellent pick. And to everyone who wants to understand, study, or get involved with feminism, this is a great start.

Everyone, no matter their gender, race, caste, or religion, is free to live life the way we want to. No one has the right to deny us this liberty. Oppression of these rights is wrong, and will be stood against. Everyone, everyone, will be granted justice and freedom, somewhere along the way. I promise.