Workplace equality goes beyond #MeToo

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and author of the much-talked-about 2013 book Lean In, says that workplaces need to look past the #MeToo movement. Stamping out sexual harassment isn’t enough, she said, it’s about creating more equal opportunities for women.

Speaking at the Lesbians Who Tech conference in San Francisco last Friday Sandberg was addressing concerns that the #MeToo movement could have negative, unintended consequences for women. As attention is narrowed in on proper work etiquette many male managers are keeping their female colleagues at arm’s length, feeling uncomfortable having one-on-one drinks or dinner with them. Women are now finding they are losing out on crucial time with their superiors. Time that could be spent networking, angling for promotions, or being mentored.

The Lean In author said this is simply not acceptable: "If you're not comfortable having dinner with women, do not have dinner with men.”

She reiterated, saying all opportunities must be given equally, formally and informally: "We need a world where women don't get sexually harassed. Full stop. Period. But, that's not enough; We need a world where women — and women of colour, particularly — get equal opportunity.

"Men are getting 94% of the top jobs," Sandberg said. "Either you believe that men are more talented or something else is going on."

Whereas in her 2013 book she encouraged women to put in extra hours, work harder, and adapt to sexist attitudes, she is now advocating for policy changes from management. "There's lots of things I got wrong," she said.

Read what happened when Sheryl Sandberg was interviewed by TV-powerhouse Shonda Rhymes.

Tim Gibson - myGwork

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