Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau is taking heat from some Facebook users over her post calling for the celebration of men who encourage women, on the eve of International Women's Day.

The post, showing Grégoire-Trudeau holding hands with her husband, reads: "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."

She urged people to "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."

The post had about 11,000 reactions on Facebook with people using the "angry," "love" or "like" buttons. While more than 10,000 people clicked "like" or "love," people who left comments on her post weren't too happy with her call for equality, questioning the celebration of men on International Women's Day.

"364 days a year I am all up to holding hands with my favourite men and creating partnerships and alliances that will support equality," said Facebook user Bibi Ebel.

"But today I don't want to celebrate men. I want to remember all women who protested against not being able to vote, talked about unequal pay, stood up to the society protecting our rights and freedoms."

Others had similar arguments.

"Although your heart is in good place ... we could make International Women's Day one thing that we don't make about men," said Jennifer McDade. "Instead, let's take a picture holding hands with a woman who has encouraged 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? Just a thought."

There were others who posted pictures with their "male allies" on social media.

"My eldest boy soon to be grown kind respectful man" posted emkingsley5 on Instagram.

"In honour of International Women's Day tomorrow I post this picture of me and my male ally," posted lily2toes on Instagram. "He is a great man who always supports, encourages and respects me."

In a lighter vein, women asked on Facebook if they could borrow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to post a picture with him.

Later in the evening, Gregorie-Trudeau responded to the debate generated by the post saying: Well, now we're having a conversation! Thanks to everyone for your feedback and picks! Love it. 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. I look forward to talking more about this tomorrow at events with Plan International Canada and Equal Voice. Stay tuned …

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Toronto Star

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