WATCH: PSNI defends rewarding male officers to mark International Women's Day

By Brett Campbell

The PSNI has defended giving out certificates to male officers as part of International Women's Day celebrations. 

Female officers were asked to nominate men within the profession - who then received recognition from Chief Constable Simon Byrne - for helping colleagues achieve gender parity.

Thought provoking morning with @PoliceServiceNI Women in Policing Association at their Inspire Awards Event . Thanks to those that have nominated men as role models and those that have exhibited such noteworthy leadership in this crucial diversity arena 1/2 pic.twitter.com/OHdxxAVbVG

— Simon Byrne (@ChiefConPSNI) March 6, 2020

The gesture has been fiercely criticised on social media. 

But Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who Chairs the Women in Policing Association, has pointed out that women have been celebrated in previous years. 

She also says gender equality is not a female-only issue but everyone's responsibility. 

Message from Chair of PSNI’s Women in Policing Association (WPA), Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, in light of public commentary about our International Women’s Day event.

You can also read Chief Superintendent Bond’s statement here: https://t.co/gkO7u6ws5H pic.twitter.com/HMVrIap4qd

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 7, 2020

Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, Chair of the PSNI's Women in Policing Association said: "As part of our plans for this year's International Women's Day (IWD) event, our Association took the IWD universal theme of Each For Equal and invited our members to nominate male colleagues who have supported them in achieving gender parity.

"In previous years, we have used IWD to promote the positive contribution that females within our organisation have played in inspiring others.

"Recognising that gender equality is not a female-only issue, that it is everyone's responsibility, in line with this year's theme we took the decision to recognise male colleagues who have an important part to play.

"It is vitally important that our male colleagues play their part in empowering, supporting and being positive advocates for their female colleagues. Today's event was seen as providing an opportunity for the Women in Policing Association to recognise those who do that already."