Bloomberg View: A Mom-to-Be in the Corner Office
The message of Marissa Mayer
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In announcing that she would soon be a new mother, Marissa Mayer, the new chief executive officer of Yahoo!, made one thing perfectly clear: She wouldn’t be taking maternity leave. Many moms scoffed. Just wait until she experiences the labor, the every-two-hours feedings and the moments of intense joy in between. She’ll change her mind.
This wouldn’t be a bad thing, if only to demonstrate to the rest of the U.S. the privilege that Mayer, as a Californian, enjoys. Her state is one of the few to guarantee paid maternity leave. Its program is a successful model for other states, just as Mayer will be an example for women in her company and industry.