I was recently approached by the (male) organizer of a series of evenings in the City of London, in which a panel of experts in particular areas give brief presentations, then answer questions from an audience of (mainly) business people. The session was to be about a range of issues including women in the workplace, women on boards, gender quotas, the gender pay gap…
I spoke at length with the man, outlining our positions on these issues, informing him of the solid evidence base underpinning our positions. I’ve just received the following email from him:
Dear Mike
Unfortunately we will not be able to go ahead with the booking. I’m afraid you have been deemed too controversial. I’m sorry about that as I have never had anyone object to a speaker before. I’m sure its nothing personal but as you know companies are very risk-averse.
I am sure this will be a disappointment to you, as it was to me and once again I’m sorry about that.
All the best
I replied:
Thanks <name redacted>. What a weasel word “controversial” is. If telling the demonstrable truth is “controversial”, with whom does the problem lie? With the person telling the truth, or the person wishing to deny him/her a platform on which to relate the truth? I defy whoever finds me “controversial” to challenge any of the evidence underpinning any of my arguments, particularly on the issues of women in the workplace, gender quotas, the gender pay gap etc.
Our 2015 manifesto explored 20 areas where the human rights of men and boys are assaulted by the state’s actions and inactions, almost always to privilege women and girls. Feminists are demonstrably behind many of the assaults, and/or make them worse.
Frankly I long ago gave up on the business sector when it comes to promoting women above men, regardless of merit. Let them reap what they’ve sown.
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