Sophie Gregoire Trudeau's Post Celebrating Men On International Women's Day Hits Backlash

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is defending a unique call to action ahead of International Women’s Day which angered many on social media Tuesday.

She posted an image of herself holding hands with her husband, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“This week, as we mark International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the boys and men in our lives who encourage us to be who we truly are, who treat girls & women with respect, and who aren’t afraid to speak up in front of others,” Gregoire Trudeau wrote.

“Take a picture holding hands with your male ally & share it on social media using the hashtag #TomorrowInHand.”

 

Are you ready to ignite change? This week, as we mark International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the boys and men in our lives who encourage us to be who we truly are, who treat girls & women with respect, and who aren’t afraid to speak up in front of others. Take a picture holding hands with your male ally & share it on social media using the hashtag #TomorrowInHand. Together, we can create a movement that inspires more men to join the fight to build a better tomorrow with equal rights & opportunities for everyone… because #EqualityMatters. 🤝 Êtes-vous prêtes à faire des étincelles pour allumer un changement ? Cette semaine, à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes, célébrons les garçons et les hommes qui nous encouragent à être qui nous sommes vraiment, qui traitent les filles et les femmes avec respect et qui n’ont pas peur de parler haut devant les autres. Prenez une photo main dans la main avec votre allié et diffusez-la dans les médias sociaux avec le mot-clic #DemainEnMains. Ensemble, nous pouvons susciter un mouvement qui incitera davantage d’hommes à lutter avec nous pour des lendemains meilleurs, l’égalité des droits et des chances pour tous … parce que l’#Égalitécompte.

A post shared by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (@sophiegregoiretrudeau) on Mar 7, 2017 at 7:20am PST

Almost instantaneously, people began to question her, saying the request took the focus away from females on a day that is supposed to be about them.

“Why do we have to celebrate men on international women’s day?” Bibi Ebel asked on Facebook. “I am puzzled. There are so many things that can be done to celebrate women, and yet the call goes out to celebrating men. Allies and unity are crucial, but so is womanhood.”

I've never had to have my hand held. #equalitymatters pic.twitter.com/z46NCZcZ4Z

— Michelle Rempel (@MichelleRempel) March 7, 2017

Sophie Trudeau WHAT ARE YOU DOING? We get ONE day a year. #InternationalWomensDay shouldn't have @JustinTrudeau as a focus... pic.twitter.com/hvFJnR2Uss

— Vanessa Marie Rose (@pizzathepuzzle) March 7, 2017

Sophie Trudeau on FB rn calling to celebrate men on International Women's Day tomorrow. Liberals are weird.

— Lara Witt (@Femmefeministe) March 7, 2017

As a male ally, the last thing I would want to do is receive recognition and take up space on any day, let alone #IWD2017. #tomorrowinhand

— Robin Mazumder (@RobinMazumder) March 7, 2017

Sophie Trudeau literally "All Lives Matter"ᵀᴹ'ed International Women's Day #IWD2017

— Celina (@axecattery) March 7, 2017

Gregoire Trudeau posted to Instagram again later in the day, thanking people for their responses.

"Well, now we're having a conversation! Thanks to everyone for your pics and feedback! Love it," she wrote in the post. "Our goal is gender equality, and fighting for it is going to require men and women working together - raising our boys and girls to make a difference, hand-in-hand. This is about recognizing that we should be allies on this journey."

Gregoire said she will speak more on this at International Women's Day events on Wednesday.

 

Wishing you a very Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s keep up the fight for gender equality today and every day. #IWD #equalitymatters

A post shared by Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (@sophiegregoiretrudeau) on Mar 8, 2017 at 8:59am PST