We must know our worth and value our skills

I have been invited to speak at an event abroad.

At first, only travel expenses were offered but no speaker fee so I asked for one and was offered a third of what I usually charge.

I asked if the offer could in any way be increased, but was told it couldn't as there wasn't the budget.

I was very uncomfortable asking for any fee at all but pushed myself because I know that at least three of the men who have spoken at this event previously have all been paid a speaker fee and travel expenses - one even had travel for his wife and daughter covered.

We must speak up, we must know our worth and we must value our skills. We must back ourselves even when others don't.

I reluctantly declined the invite to speak at the event.