Across the world, women, in general, are paid much less than men with the same qualifications for the same job. There is a massive gender wage gap that we are fighting. In India, women are paid 34% less than men for the same performance, according to a report by Economic Times.
In recent times, there has been a lot of discussion about how women should step up and ask for a raise; that she needs to demand what is rightfully hers. However, Indra Nooyi didn’t do the same for herself. In fact, she “never” asked for a raise, reports NDTV.
In a recent interview, the former Chairman of PepsiCo revealed:
“I’ve never, ever, ever asked for a raise. I find it cringeworthy. I cannot imagine working for somebody and saying my pay is not enough. I never asked my board to give me more money. In fact, one year the board gave me a raise and I said, ‘I don’t want it.’ They said, ‘Why not?’ It was right after a financial crisis, and I said, ‘I don’t want the raise.'”
Her statement faced massive backlash online. Several people expressed how, in order to fight the gender pay disparity, women need to ask for a raise if they deserve it. Some also highlighted how considering Indra Nooyi is a global inspiration for women, her statement is disappointing.
I don’t know which world she is talking about.But the corporate world which I am a part of from last 11 years is quite opposite. If you don’t ask for it ,you’d never get it.
And it’s not cringe-worthy but it’s about asking what you deserve.I must say men are quite better at this+— Richa (@pradhan_rich) October 7, 2021
I find it cringeworthy saying employees shouldn’t ask for raises when companies constantly underpay them esp women who listen to this kind of advice and don’t fight for fair pay
— Sampat (@BaniaInvestor) October 7, 2021
The perfect example of how out of touch CEOs and rich people are from ordinary people.
— Debbie (@Debroah45773481) October 6, 2021
My salary barely covers my rent but mai kitni cringe hu for asking the wage I deserve.
Sorry Indra 😭 https://t.co/8lsFsWBqSK
— unawarewolf 🏳️🌈 (@yadudewhatever) October 8, 2021
Indra Nooyi says she would never ask for a raise. She was the 7th highest paid CEO in the world. Of course she doesn't need a raise. The people working at Pepsi struggling to get by were underpaid & overworked so her pockets could be full. Give them a raise so they can survive https://t.co/SxqEHBRmxE
— Sankul Sonawane (@Sankul333) October 8, 2021
Some Indian women get to the top by bringing the whole agyakari sankari bahu deal into the corporate space lol https://t.co/Y5Qnz3W32s
— Edgar Allan Poeha (@vaniIlaessence) October 8, 2021
What a weird flex https://t.co/otWEKUJDkQ
— samantha (@OnYourCallender) October 7, 2021
This is not only garbage advice, it's also harmful, esp for women who struggle to get what they deserve. Women who are constantly told that defining their worth and asking for it is somehow unwomanly and cringeworthy. https://t.co/mqueNOiLt6
— Karanjeet Kaur (@Kaju_Katri) October 7, 2021
Indra Nooyi never asked for a raise probably because she had been in the CEO position and therefore her salary has always been high enough.From the perspective of an ordinary employee, I think it's not too much to ask a raise. #stratcomm4337 https://t.co/67iOOeJVzL
— Cathylii (@CathyLii_osu) October 7, 2021
Not gonna read the article. Just going to say this is shit advice. Please ask for a raise. It's not cringeworthy at all. https://t.co/QKhIkoHSyo
— Sharayu Ail (@SharayuAil) October 7, 2021
What are your views on Indra Nooyi’s statement? Tell us.