March 2020 - Be Stronger

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

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Hi Lean In Family!

International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It originated sometime in 1911 as a socialist holiday to celebrate working women. Today it is celebrated globally by women and men in varying contexts who give it their own meaning and significance.

The theme for this year’s IWD is ‘Each for Equal – An Equal World is an Enabled World’. It is a call for every single individual to work together in championing gender equity. We believe that if each person does what they can and from where they are, change is possible.

While it is the month to celebrate International Women’s Day, we also recognize the severity of the situation with Covid-19 and the role that we all play towards combating it. As Malaysians, we know that everyone is affected in some way or another. As such, all activities planned by the Lean In team have been postponed until further notice, and we hope everyone is keeping well during this period of restricted movement.

While we are all encouraged to practice social distancing at this time, we could also all take the time to check in on each other and provide as much support to those who may feel particularly vulnerable or isolated during this difficult period. Do call your loved ones, and maybe even think about holding a virtual Circle for this month!

We wish everyone strength and much love as we ride this one out together, for this too shall pass. In the meantime, do take care and now is especially the time to lean in and support one another.

With love,

Carmen Looi & Alia Ainuddin
(Co-Leads of Lean In Career Programme)

Want to bring Lean In Malaysia to your organization?

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Interested in sponsoring/partnering with Lean In Malaysia through your company? Contact our team at partnerships@leaninmalaysia.com.

Personal Note from Abir

Everywhere in the world Covid-19 has affected many businesses. Industry events and conferences have been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, such as the cancellation of F8 by Facebook.

Unfortunately this includes the planned #IWD2020 dialogue where I was scheduled on Friday the 6th to appear on Facebook LIVE with COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg and Lean In New York leader, Mary LaRocco Dove.

The State Department has issued travel bans and many laws banning large gatherings and giving advice for the public to take precautions. This is absolutely understandable. We were all devastated at the turn of events, especially for this to happen during the month where we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay.

Regardless, the Lean In team has been so kind to make my trip to San Francisco still worth it, when they arranged for a one-to-one FaceTime session with Sheryl Sandberg and me. It was surreal to be FaceTiming with one of the world's 100 most powerful women by Forbes and who is listed as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world by Time 100.

I updated her on the progress of Lean In Malaysia, specifically where we are 5 years later and the positive impact it has on our members. The amazing support system that this platform offers has done wonders to our lives and is a testament to where we are today.

So thank you for making time for me! I left San Francisco with a contented heart and a feeling of having a purpose met.

Here’s to women supporting women, never discounting each other, always having each other’s back, from Malaysia and to the United States of America.

I hope the situation gets better for all of us, and everyone please stay safe.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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Let's Stay at Home to Combat Covid-19 Together

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