Women In Industry dinner- hosted by 2 men

[ComposeYourself]

I have NC'ed for this.
My company is hosting a Women In Industry event next week. It will be an informal event, with only about 50 guests, with dinner after. All 50 guests are female, mix of customers and employees. Last year it was hosted by our senior VP, let's call her Linda. It was really enjoyable last time, lots of interesting discussions and a great atmosphere of openness and camaraderie.

This year, Linda has asked two male VPs (who report into her) to Co-host with her. I think she wants more senior people involved in the event.

I am really annoyed by this!!! I think it will ruin the dynamic in the room. The men don't want to do this either and think it's ridiculous. But she's their boss and a formidable woman and they do what they're told....

Can I ask, if you were invited to a Women In Industry event, would you be unhappy to be hosted by two senior male VPs?

It's so annoying. Are there women at the same level who could have been asked?

When I was 18 I won a "Women in Science" essay award and was so disappointed to have it presented by a panel of 6 men and 1 woman - their secretary. Not much has changed in 25 years it seems.

There are women at that level in the company - but they are all based in the US (as is Linda who is coming over to host).
I do think it's an admission of failure by us as a company. "Yes we are so committed to diversity and women in leadership positions, but we have none in Europe so here are our lovely senior white middle aged heterosexual male senior leaders!"

It does make something of a mockery of the event, I agree

Can you raise it at the event

It's like that picture of the Trump government ruling on women's reproductive health issues where there were no women in the room. But worse in a way since it's pretending to show progress in terms of women in your industry.

"Hi, this is how we're doing in terms of women in our industry. Not great, is it?"

Surely diversity means men as well as women? At least Linda is the senior VP.

Women In Industry

Diversity does mean men as well as women. Fortunately, there are already more than enough men, so no need to include some more in this event.

I wonder what was stopping them sending over women at the same level from the US?

Thanks for your responses! I agree with all of this. It's not even about "Diversity " - it's specifically geared towards Women In Leadership in (our industry).

Let's hear what these two men have to say about it!!

It's exactly as Olenna said so simply. Just a mockery of the whole thing!