Shoosmiths has received an online kicking for programming a panel discussion on International Women's Day about "gender equality, diversity and inclusion" from the perspective of men.

The firm tweeted encouragement to "Book your place at our alternative spin to #InternationalWomensDay2020 where we'll be discussing gender equality, diversity and inclusion from the perspectives of predominantly male 'champions of women' on our GOOD Guys panel".

The invitation attracted widespread derision. Matrix Chambers barrister Kirsten Sjøvoll tweeted, “Fed up with all female panels? Want to know what men think IWD is all about? Tired of men not having a voice on the one day a year dedicated to women and women’s rights? Worry not, Shoosmiths has you covered.”

Other reactions ranging from baffled to miffed, with people asking, "Why on Women's Day do we even need men's opinions?", "Why does International Women's Day need an alternative spin?" and "What is wrong with you? One day a year for women and you do this" (exploding head emoji x 3).

 

Some were convinced it was a joke, with one tweeter incorrectly advising, "It’s a parody people calm down."

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^{To celebrate IWD, this story is illustrated with a picture of a man. Solidarity!}

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If only it was International Woman’s Day, because although the panel features three men, it has found space for one female, Stephanie Boyce, the Deputy VP of the Law Society. It will also be moderated by two women.

The firm responded, "We understand there are lots of views* on this subject but are proud to be hosting this important discussion based on the GOOD Guys programme, developed by the US's National Conference of Women’s Bar Association with US-based Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession".

GOOD Guys chipped in on Twitter to explain that it was created "by women for women and diverse individuals to involve male leaders in the conversation about diversity, and inclusion and break out of the echo-chamber! GOOD Guys are carefully selected by our committee to encourage other men to get on board!!"

The organisation's website explained that GOOD Guys, "is a program designed to break the impasse in women’s advancement by engaging people who have been missing from the conversation for too long – the GUYS!" It advises that men brave enough to speak up should be given an award. "Each male invitee is given a ribbon identifying him as a GOOD Guy, and all GOOD Guys present are honored".

A male defender on the RollOnFriday Discussion Board said the mixed sex panel "sounds better than a forum for women only asking itself 'why aren't men listening'?"

"I know a few who work there", countered another commenter. "I’d call them to lol but I just heard the collective smashing of heads rebounding off desks at such pace they’re probably out for the count".

_{*ie moans from gobby women, calm down love, etc etc}