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Sandberg’s Option B Calls for More Options for Working Families

Sheryl Sandberg’s new book, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resistance, and Finding Joy, repeatedly recognizes the difficulties facing low income women and women of color and calls for public policy to address those needs In particular, she calls for many of the policy goals we fight for at A Better Balance, including: closing the wage gap, recognizing and protecting the diversity of American families, paid family and medical leave and paid sick time.

Four years ago, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In touched off a national conversation on women’s professional advancement, but faced criticism for failing to adequately recognize the profound obstacles outside their control less privileged women face in the workplace. In sharp contrast, Sandberg’s new book, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resistance, and Finding Joy, repeatedly recognizes the difficulties facing low income women and women of color and calls for public policy to address those needs.

Option B was prompted by Sandberg’s experiences following the unexpected death of her husband Dave Goldberg, including as a parent to two young children. While noting her own struggles following this tragic loss, Sandberg repeatedly reflects on how similar situations can be even more devastating for those without the resources and privileges she enjoys and calls for new protections. As she writes, “What we do in our communities and companies—the public policies we put in place, the ways we help one another—can ensure that fewer people suffer.”

In particular, she calls for many of the policy goals we fight for at A Better Balance, including:

When adversity arises, all workers need options to do what’s right for them and their families. We applaud Sandberg’s thoughtful call to action and hope that it sparks a deeper national conversation on the needs of working families.

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