THERE has been criticism of a PSNI initiative for International Women's Day which asked female officers to nominate a male colleague who had supported them in their career.

Police officers received an email in the run-up to this weekend's celebrations, seen by The Irish News, which said: "Equality is not a women's issue it is a business issue. Equality is essential for teams, communities, business and policing to thrive.

"However, not everyone may agree. Therefore with IWD 2020 being #EachforEqual it is important to take some time to recognise the male colleagues who have reached out, stood up and spoken up to support you as a woman in policing, whether a Police Officer or Police Staff.

"Do you have a male coleague who reached out when needed, offered you the confidence or support to take a different step, go for a new job, help you through a difficult time, or recognise your success?"

The PSNI also posted on social media: "Preparations underway for our celebration for #IWD2020. This year's theme is #EachForEqual. Female colleagues nominated male colleagues who have supported them during their career."

More than 400 members of the public commented under the Twitter post, criticising the focus on male achievements on a day intended to be a celebration of women.

In a recent recruitment drive for 600 new police officers, almost 60 per cent of applications were from men.

Elaine Crory of the Women's Resource and Development Agency said last night: "The PSNI are actively trying to recruit young women to the force - which is still over 70 per cent male - and this is not the way to do it.

"It's the one day women can expect to be centre stage and they aren't allowed to do that?

"It's absurd that the best way that the PSNI could think of to celebrate IWD was to make their female officers praise their male colleagues.

"It implies they got where they are through the kindly assistance of men.

"It doesn't appear to be a workplace that values women's contributions except as they relate to men."