Manx Care has been the subject of some social media controversy for a campaign celebrating International Women’s Day.

Celebrated on Tuesday (March 8), International Women’s Day is marked annually to commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women.

To mark the occasion, Manx Care shared a range of photographs with the caption: ‘Manx Care is proud to be part of #internationalwomensday. By showcasing our diverse and equitable organisation, we are demonstrating how we #breakthebias. We never take this for granted and strive to improve and understand how all our colleagues feel.’

However a number of the posts shared featured its male staff – a fact which commentors were quick to point out, describing the posts as ‘tone deaf’ and a ‘massive fail’.

One user commented: ‘The time and place to show diversity of Manx Care is maybe on International Nurses Day and all the other “days” affiliated with the care system.

‘Not on International Women’s Day where we need to take time out to celebrate women?’

Another said: ‘Whilst I appreciate the message, surely this one is better to be used on International Men’s Day? I think you’ve missed the mark on this one!’

Michelle Haywood, MHK for Rushen added: ‘Presumably on International Men’s Day, Manx Care will be using women in their publicity?? (It does feel a bit like your birthday being hijacked to celebrate some one else’s anniversary).’

International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on November 19.

The organisation did not post anything to mark the day.

In response to the barrage of comments, the service said: ‘Manx Care is predominantly a female organisation, so we took this opportunity to celebrate how women and men work together across our organisation to engender a diverse and accepting culture.’

lElsewhere, Manx Care featured in our own International Women’s Day coverage – a supplement entitled WOMANN – available in this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, which is in shops island-wide now.

l We also published a two-part feature about the women at the top of Manx politics. The first is in the Examiner, the second in the Manx Independent.