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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has issued a statement defending its decision to announce a man as the Keynote Speaker for its International Women’s Day event on March 8 in the Canal Court Hotel.
In the announcement, made on the council’s social media sites Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, it said: “We are delighted to announce that motivational speaker and personal brand consultant, Billy Dixon will be the keynote speaker.
“Described as one of Europe’s leading authorities and commentators on personal projection, communication and team dynamics, Billy has earned the reputation as a leader in personal marketing, coaching and image consultancy.
“He works extensively in political, sporting, private and public sectors throughout Europe, America and Canada and his clients include many blue-chip companies, several premiership clubs as well as three national leaders.”
The announcement that a male was to be the Keynote Speaker at the International Women’s Day event was met with a tsunami of reaction of bewilderment, disbelief and anger on social media and broadcast airwaves, featuring on Friday’s BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show and a lengthy section on Talkback which included Mr Dixon.
However, the council defended its decision in a statement issued to the media but tellingly, did not refer to Mr Dixon as the Keynote Speaker, only as ‘one of our speakers’.
“The theme of our International Women’s Day event this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’,” the statement read.
“After careful consideration of potential speakers, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was delighted to announce that Billy Dixon, an internationally renowned motivational speaker and brand consultant, had accepted our invitation to be one of our speakers at our International Women’s Day event.
“Together with our ‘Influential Voices’ - Lynette Fay, Sarah Jane Campbell, Niamh Quinn and Daria Yakovenko who will also be speaking at this sell-out event – we look forward to an inspiring International Women’s Day.
“Whilst we understand that some members of our community may have initial concerns or questions about the choice of Mr Dixon, we believe that this decision aligns with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
“Mr Dixon has consistently delivered compelling and insightful presentations that have captivated audiences by his content and delivery of his message, and we recognised the potential to resonate with a diverse audience and contribute meaningfully to the theme of Inspire Inclusion.
“Our goal for this International Women's Day Conference is to foster an environment where minds and hearts are open to embracing everyone as equals. The decision to invite a male speaker emphasises our commitment to inclusivity, encouraging a collective understanding that gender should not be a barrier to shared inspiration and empowerment.”
A guest on Talkback, Newry City Councillor Doire Finn (SDLP) said she wanted to know who the other ‘potential speakers’ were the Council had considered. She also said she wanted the Council to “change the decision”, noting it was nothing against Mr Dixon, and expressed her disappointment the council had taken this approach.
