*Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled commenter Kristina Kurth Benoit’s name wrong. Global News regrets the error.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is defending a unique call to action ahead of International Women’s Day which angered many on social media Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Gregoire Trudeau shared a picture of herself and her husband, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, holding hands on Facebook and Instagram while calling for women to post a picture with their “male ally & share it on social media using the hashtag #TomorrowInHand.”
She went on to say, “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.”
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.”
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“Ugh, really?!?! Don’t we already celebrate men enough??” Kristina Kurth Benoit wrote on Facebook. “Do we really need to make International WOMENS Day (sic) about the men in our lives??? This seems to really miss the whole point.”
Later on Tuesday night, Gregoire Trudeau posted again, this time thanking people for the feedback, despite the negative responses.
“Well, now we’re having a conversation! Thanks to everyone for your feedback and pics! Love it,” she wrote.
“Our goal is gender equality, and fighting for it is going to require men and women working together.”
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Commenters on Instagram shared similar sentiments.
“Really! Nothing says celebrating women, like celebrating men,” one commenter said.
“What’s next? Post your favourite white person to celebrate Black history month”? Or how about a float celebrating straight people in the pride parade? Allies are important but they don’t get to be part of our day!!” another wrote.
The post did not go unnoticed on Twitter, as Conservative MP Michelle Rempel led a charge of users who criticized Gregoire Trudeau’s request.
The hashtag isn’t the only way Gregoire Trudeau is planning to mark International Women’s Day, she will also be talking at events with with Plan International Canada and Equal Voice.