Many women are told to be grateful for an offer. Gratitude and negotiation are not opposites — clarity is professional.
Before the meeting, document three wins with numbers: revenue influenced, time saved, clients retained. Ask for a compensation discussion, not a “favor.”
Try: “Based on my impact on X and market data for this role in Bangalore, I was expecting a package closer to Y. What flexibility do we have on base or variable?”
If they freeze the number, negotiate signing bonus, learning budget, hybrid days, or a review in six months with defined metrics.