In the last 24 hours, two women in their early 20s shocked me a bit at first. Upon reflection, I realised they were actually doing what we encourage women to do all the time. Effortlessly. Here& #39;s their story.
The first person pitched me a story. I accepted her pitch and told her what we can pay. Her response was to ask for 30% higher. This is the one thing I never did as a freelance journalist. I still don& #39;t! (In July, I agreed to 80 hour work week for 90 rupees an hour)
Women do not negotiate as much as (as well as) men do. The authors of & #39;Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide& #39; say women lagged behind their male colleagues in salaries, bonuses, promotions, and perks simply because they hadn’t “asked for it.” #6dbcdf74de55">https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/02/26/why-women-dont-negotiate-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/ #6dbcdf74de55">https://www.forbes.com/sites/dai...
So, when the young journalist felt confident enough to ask for higher compensation for her work, I was thrilled. She felt her labour valued more. And found the confidence to voice it.
(I am working towards becoming a better negotiator. Quite unsuccessfully)
The other young woman who reached out to interview me. When I reach out to people requesting an interview, I do not give them time slots that suit me. Esp if it is a cold call.
But, she did. And it helped me realise that it is actually quite efficient.
As a young journalist (I started when I was 16), I used to feel indebted to my interviewee if they agreed to being interviewed. So, I have accommodated their time no matter how inconvenient those were for me.
I have conducted interviews in the middle of a housewarming ceremony. In a hospital. At 6 AM, after not having slept for 24 hours.
It was as simple as requesting a different time. And most people are reasonable and accommodating.
Young women are more secure and assured.

Come gather & #39;round, people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You& #39;ll be drenched to the bone

The Times They Are A Changing :)
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