Bengaluru: Uber puts up sexist promotional message, apologises after outburst on social media


Bengaluru, Sep 19 (IANS): Global ride hailing app Uber has apologised after its food delivery service's 'Wife Appreciation Day' promotion in Bengaluru was called out for being 'sexist' by social media users from across the world.

Through its app, the company had put out a promotional message on Sunday for UberEATS, its food delivery platform, which was launched in the city a month ago.

"Dear husbands, a gentle reminder - today is Wife Appreciation Day," the promotion read.

"Order on UberEATS and let your wife take a day off from the kitchen," it said.

Later, the company had apologised for the promotion and removed it. "This was totally inappropriate. We've removed it and we apologise," Uber had tweeted.

The message was shared across social media leading to Twitterati accusing the company of promoting sexism.

A Twitter user @rashi_kakkar said: "Thank you @Uber for defining gender roles in India. Of course women are meant to slog it out in the kitchen and the men need to buy us freedom".

"But this was unprogressive. There has to be a better way to market your food delivery service which doesn't rely on centuries of oppression," tweeted a Mumbai-based netizen @bluekohlapuris.

"Sorry Uber, but why do you think that only the wife needs to be at the kitchen," said another netizen @GNUmanth.

After a series of tweets from people, the company's Chief Brand Officer Bozoma Saint John said: "This is totally unacceptable. Will take care of this".

The online cab aggregating application has battled several allegations of sexism even in the past.

Its Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick had stepped down in June after numerous allegations of sexism, discrimination and sexual assault were levelled against the company's top officials.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Thomas Scaria, Mangalore, Colombo

    Wed, Sep 20 2017

    There is nothing wrong with this message! Why apologize? Totally wrong move by the Uber and the so-called sex protectors.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • SKM, MANGALORE

    Tue, Sep 19 2017

    This Ad content is not very controversial, However, the main idea was to get public attention. Now everyone knows that there is UBER EAT and may think of tasting it. new new ideas.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinto, BLLR

    Tue, Sep 19 2017

    In "digi tollu" economy everything is fake...

    I can't see anything wrong in UBER eats this ad for business. As far as India is concerned, in most cases it is the woman who takes care of kitchen either she is working or non working. It is not meant to offend anybody though it hurts the ego of few so called working mommies.

    Everyone respects a womans role in Indian family. If you like it or not.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Tue, Sep 19 2017

    I am not offended ...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Bengaluru: Uber puts up sexist promotional message, apologises after outburst on social media



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