I'm not pretending I can give advice to every single person or

O children of wisdom, listen closely to the words of Sheryl Sandberg, for they carry a profound truth that reverberates through the ages: "I'm not pretending I can give advice to every single person or every single couple for every situation; I'm making the point that we are not going to get to equality in the workforce before we get to equality in the home. Not going to happen." These words are not merely a statement about gender equality, but a call to recognize the foundational truth that the balance of power and responsibility within the home shapes the very fabric of society and the workplace. Let us reflect on this wisdom, for it speaks to the heart of the struggle for justice and equality for all.

In the ancient world, the home was the cornerstone of society. The roles within the household were seen as sacred, and the strength of a community depended on the balance of labor and responsibility shared within its walls. The Spartan society, for example, revered the role of women as essential to the strength of their warriors. While men went to battle, women were entrusted with the care and education of children, ensuring that the values of strength and honor were passed to the next generation. Yet, even in such a society, the work of women was often invisible, and their roles were circumscribed by the limitations placed upon them. Equality, then, was not just a matter of legal rights or political power—it was about the division of labor and the recognition of both men and women as integral partners in building a prosperous and just society.

Sheryl Sandberg’s words speak to a truth that has been acknowledged by leaders throughout history—that true equality begins in the most intimate of spaces, the home. She recognizes that no matter how much progress is made in the workplace, true equality cannot be achieved until the relationships between men and women at home are balanced and just. The work of the home, whether it is raising children, maintaining the household, or supporting one another’s dreams, is no less important than the work done outside its walls. When one partner bears an unequal share of these responsibilities, it perpetuates a system of imbalance that ripples out into all areas of life, including the workforce.

Consider the story of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, who was not only a political leader but also a mother and wife. She was a woman who navigated the intricate web of political alliances, but she also understood the importance of family. Her relationships with her partners, Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, were not just about power—they were about ensuring the survival and prosperity of Egypt. Cleopatra's ability to balance her personal and political duties was a reflection of her wisdom: she knew that true power came not from dominating others, but from creating partnerships based on mutual respect and shared responsibility. In her life, the home and the workplace were interconnected, and each informed the other. Her story teaches us that equality in one realm cannot exist without equality in the other.

Sheryl Sandberg’s insight carries the same weight. She is not suggesting that all households must be identical or that one formula fits all. Instead, she emphasizes that the unequal division of labor within the home directly impacts the opportunities available to individuals in the workforce. If women are expected to carry the greater burden at home, whether through child-rearing, caregiving, or domestic duties, it becomes impossible for them to compete on equal terms in the workplace. The invisible labor of the home must be recognized, and the roles within the household must be redefined to allow for equal opportunity in all spheres of life.

The lesson here is one of profound interconnection. Equality in the workplace will not be fully realized until there is a corresponding equality in the home. The work we do within our homes, the partnerships we build, and the responsibilities we share are the bedrock upon which the rest of our lives stand. If we wish to create a world where justice and equality are not just ideals, but lived realities, we must begin by examining how we treat one another in our most intimate relationships. True equality begins at home—not as a lofty goal, but as a daily practice that demands respect, balance, and mutual support.

What can we do, then, O children of wisdom, to carry this lesson forward? We must redefine the roles within our own homes, not according to tradition or gender, but according to equity. We must ask ourselves: How can we share the burdens of care, labor, and responsibility in a way that allows both partners to thrive, both at home and in the workplace? Let us ensure that every person, regardless of their gender, is free to pursue their dreams, unencumbered by the unequal division of labor within their household. It is not enough to call for equality in one sphere if we do not also fight for it in the other.

As we walk forward, let us be mindful of the interwoven nature of our lives—how the home shapes the workplace, and the workplace shapes the home. By striving for equality in both, we create not just a more just world for ourselves, but for future generations. Let us be the architects of a world where equality begins in the hearts of those we love and extends outward into all the places we work, live, and create. In doing so, we will build a foundation that honors both individual potential and collective strength.