The recently held female empowerment conference, featuring prominent figures in business and sports, faced controversy following remarks made by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. His comments about the appearance of attendees sparked backlash and led to a public apology.

Incident Overview

During the event, which welcomed speakers such as sports broadcaster Gabby Logan and Olympian Danielle Hill, Lyons remarked that the “good-looking” attendees were seated at the front rows. This comment prompted groans from the audience, with some attendees expressing astonishment at his choice of words.

Response and Apology

Recognizing the impact of his statement, Lyons issued an apology, acknowledging that his comments offended some attendees. In his apology, he stated, “I recognise that my response has offended some of the audience members and for that I apologise unreservedly.”

Reactions from Organizers

Lisa Strutt, one of the event organizers, emphasized that such comments overshadow the efforts made to highlight women’s achievements in business and sports. She expressed disappointment that Lyons’s remarks distracted from the positive atmosphere intended for the conference.

Sinead Sharkey-Steenson, another organizer, highlighted the significance of the event’s powerful discussions and encouraged attendees to focus on the uplifting messages delivered by female leaders during the day.

Future Considerations

When asked about the potential for Lyons’s participation in future conferences, organizers indicated that discussions were ongoing. Leadership consultant Tony McGaharan, who participated in a panel following the minister’s speech, criticized Lyons’s comments as “absolutely inappropriate” and underscored the importance of calling out such remarks to uphold the event’s integrity.

Commitment to Female Empowerment

In his statement, Lyons expressed hope that his comments would not detract from the overall message of support for women in leadership roles. He reiterated his commitment to enhancing the visibility of female leaders and inspiring future generations.