Ibec welcomes pioneering anti-violence educator Dr Jackson Katz on 12th annual celebration of National D&I Day

• Dr Katz joins delegates from not-for-profit sectors for a community breakfast to mark Ibec’s National Diversity and Inclusion Day
• Delegates will share their insights and learn about innovative strategies Dr Katz has developed to inspire men and boys to be allies with women and girls, in the struggle against gender-based violence.

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, joined forces with world renowned educator on gender-based violence Dr Jackson Katz for a community breakfast in Dublin with not-for-profit CEOs and leaders in education, sport and policing to open a discussion around the importance of men working to promote gender equity and prevent gender-based violence – especially in the workplace.

Dr Katz shared his insights on how to inspire men and boys to be allies with women and girls, in the struggle against gender-based violence, alongside his practical guidance for the implementation of his ideas within workplace, educational, sporting and public service settings.

Dr Katz said:

“The issue of gender-based violence cuts across every social category. It is an incredibly important problem, and every sector of society has a role to play in addressing it. We’re having this conversation today at Ibec to help build some of the leadership skills that are so necessary in this area.

Women’s leadership has historically had a transformative impact on this issue—across workplaces, communities, and beyond. However, it’s not fair to place the burden solely on women to lead these efforts while men stand by and fail to do their part. A big part of today is about exploring how men can step up and meet the moment.

This morning, we’re focusing on violence against women. This afternoon, we’ll be discussing other workplace issues—such as ethnic diversity, gender, sexuality, and a wide range of related topics.

All of it has been organised around the central theme of leadership, particularly the need for stronger, more accountable leadership from men.”

The breakfast briefing and leadership masterclass was tailored specifically for not-for-profit CEOs, board members and policy makers, leaders within the community, voluntary, education, health, sport, policing, and defence sectors.

Separately to our public breakfast, Ibec hosted a special event with Dr Katz for our members to understand how best they can implement his insights into their own business operations and support leadership conversations around difficult themes such as immigration, discrimination and what happens when rights and beliefs collide.

Kara McGann, Head of Skills & Social Policy at Ibec said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr Katz to Ibec to speak to our business leaders and members about the importance of allyship and collective responsibility when it comes to the eradication of gender-based violence and discrimination.

In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become keystone values for companies globally. However, even prior to the recent challenges to DEI it was under pressure, and like any good strategic model needed to evolve, to challenge outdated approaches and embrace a more mature, dynamic model of DEI that recognises the wider societal forces at play. As key pillars of society and drivers of economic and social influence, businesses play a vital role in creating safer communities and more inclusive workplaces – and it’s more important now than ever to be proactive in acknowledging that responsibility and not lose sight of its importance.

Dr Katz is speaking to leaders on how best to navigate a clash of beliefs in the workplace, challenge institutional norms and attitudes towards equality and empower them to take a stance in the face of any discrimination, whether that be gender orientated or otherwise.”