Microsoft C.E.O. Says Tech’s Progress on Gender Equality Is ‘Not Sufficient’
- 7 years ago
Microsoft C.E.O. Says Tech’s Progress on Gender Equality Is ‘Not Sufficient’
“My job is about creating a system that allows women to participate, to feel free to ask for a raise, to
expect to be recognized for their progress — I had not internalized how the system was not working.”
Mr. Nadella, who joined Microsoft in 1992, touched on a range of topics during the talk in Manhattan,
discussing privacy, gaming, immigration and the effect of artificial intelligence on jobs.
“That’s what makes America exceptional, both being the place where the talent comes and also being the beacon of hope for the people who need hope,” said Mr. Nadella, who early in his employment at Microsoft had given up his green card for a temporary H-1B work visa
that allowed him to bring his wife, Anu, to the United States from India.
We always had equal pay for equal work, but it’s more about equal opportunity for equal work,” Mr. Nadella said at a TimesTalks event hosted by .
“In tech, we do have a significant distance to cover.”
Mr. Nadella’s remarks — at a time when Silicon Valley is roiled by allegations of a pervasive
culture of sexism at companies such as Google, Uber and SoFi — came from personal experience.
Like many tech companies, Microsoft has voiced opposition to President Trump’s decision
to begin rolling back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy.
In 2014, shortly after taking over the chief executive position, he suggested at a conference
that women should not push for pay raises and instead wait to be recognized for their work.
“My job is about creating a system that allows women to participate, to feel free to ask for a raise, to
expect to be recognized for their progress — I had not internalized how the system was not working.”
Mr. Nadella, who joined Microsoft in 1992, touched on a range of topics during the talk in Manhattan,
discussing privacy, gaming, immigration and the effect of artificial intelligence on jobs.
“That’s what makes America exceptional, both being the place where the talent comes and also being the beacon of hope for the people who need hope,” said Mr. Nadella, who early in his employment at Microsoft had given up his green card for a temporary H-1B work visa
that allowed him to bring his wife, Anu, to the United States from India.
We always had equal pay for equal work, but it’s more about equal opportunity for equal work,” Mr. Nadella said at a TimesTalks event hosted by .
“In tech, we do have a significant distance to cover.”
Mr. Nadella’s remarks — at a time when Silicon Valley is roiled by allegations of a pervasive
culture of sexism at companies such as Google, Uber and SoFi — came from personal experience.
Like many tech companies, Microsoft has voiced opposition to President Trump’s decision
to begin rolling back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration policy.
In 2014, shortly after taking over the chief executive position, he suggested at a conference
that women should not push for pay raises and instead wait to be recognized for their work.