International Women’s Day keynote speaker pulls out

International Women’s Day keynote speaker pulls out

6 March 2024

THE keynote speaker at this Friday’s International Women’s Day event organised by Newry, Mourne and Down Council has withdrawn in the wake of a major backlash.

Personal brand consultant Billy Dixon was due to address the event in Newry, but the local authority’s decision to invite a man was criticised by councillors and senior politicians, as well as the Women’s Resource and Development Agency.

Alliance leader Naomi Long described Mr Dixon’s selection as "mortifying" while the SDLP’s Sinead McLaughlin  described it as "very 1990s”.

Ms McLaughlin’s party colleagues in Newry, Mourne and Down, Laura Devlin and Doire Flinn, also criticised the selection of the keynote speaker.

Mr Dixon — who was one of a number of speakers alongside broadcaster Lynette Fay, Sarah Jane Campbell, Niamh Quinn and Daria Yakovenko — said he was saddened to see the "unfortunate backlash the event organisers are facing”.

For its part, the council said it acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and understood the keynote speaker’s withdrawal, insisting its “commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering”.

Mr Dixon said he was sad to withdraw and explained participating in it in previous years "has been a source of inspiration and empowerment as we strive for gender equality and amplify women's voices”.

The council previously defended its decision to select him, stating that the invitation "aligns with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment” with Mr Dixon left "surprised and shocked" by the controversy.

He suggested that most of the backlash was due to the fact that he was listed as "keynote speaker" for the event and suggested that if he had been listed as a speaker it would not have had the same reaction.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council confirmed on Monday that it received notification from Mr Dixon that he had decided to withdraw from the event.

He said: “In light of recent events, I regretfully announce my decision to step down as speaker at the International Women's Day event in Newry, Mourne and Down. Over the years, participating in this event has been a source of inspiration and empowerment as we strive for gender equality and amplify women's voices.

“It saddens me to withdraw my involvement, particularly given this year's theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and to see the unfortunate backlash the event organisers are facing. 

“However, amidst this disappointment, I would like to shed light on an issue close to my heart and one I had hoped to discuss at the event: the value of humanity. The exploitation of young girls and women by criminal gangs and human traffickers, is a crime that persists in plain sight across Ireland's towns and cities and demands our collective attention.”

Mr Dixon added: “I encourage you to learn more about the invaluable efforts of organisations like Invisible Traffic and further educate yourselves on how to safeguard our youth. Together, let's work towards a future where every individual is valued and protected.”

Council officials say they acknowledge the concerns raised by the public and understands Mr Dixon’s withdrawal.

They say the event incorporates an exciting line-up of inspirational speakers during a networking lunch and the opportunity to raise significant funding for the chairwoman’s four chosen charities.

“Our commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering and we deeply regret the impact on the celebration of the day.  We remain dedicated to fostering an environment that celebrates the contributions of individuals from all walks of life,” said a council statement.

Prior to Mr Dixon’s withdrawal, Elaine Crory of the Women’s Resource and Development Agency hit out at his booking and said in her view, the main speaker at an international women’s day event should be a woman.

“It shows a real ignorance of the wonderful women who would jump at an opportunity like this and an ignorance of what international women’s day is all about,” she declared.

"In addition, speakers should say ‘no’ when they’re asked to speak at events like this unless they are women. I’d never presume to speak as a keynote speaker for an event that is for a demographic I am not part of and have no expertise in.”

Cllr Devlin said the point of the event was to highlight women’s issues including gender equality, women’s healthcare and addressing gender-based violence. 

“The best way to do this is through hearing women’s voices and listening to their experiences,” she continued. “The decision taken to exclude female representation from the keynote address at this event is just baffling. 

Cllr Flinn said it was “incredibly disappointing” that the council had initially taken this approach, adding: “In approaching this conference, we certainly would not want to exclude Billy Dixon from a discussion panel, but excluding women from the keynote address is not acceptable.:

Rowallane councillor Tierna Kelly said she was “disappointed: at the decision to choose Mr Dixon as the guest speaker and confirmed that as a member of the local authority’s Women’s Working Group, she will be raising the issue to ensure the council does its best to support women.