NJ mag nixes all-male panel at women’s empowerment event

A New Jersey-based magazine owned by women has canceled a women’s empowerment panel following criticism because the participants were all men. 

In a statement released Monday, SJ Magazine said it believes it is ‘helpful when everyone is part of the conversation on women’s empowerment and feminism’.

‘It was never our intention to offend anyone,’ the statement added, announcing the cancellation of the Nov 6 event.

The criticism began after the magazine announced the panel, entitled ‘Women in Business: A man’s point of view’. 

The SJ magazine event part of a Women’s empowerment series sparked backlash when the panel was revealed to be all male

One of the participants, New Jersey Democratic Assemblyman Lou Greenwald, had decided to withdraw because of the panel’s composition.

‘I was asked to participate on a panel for an issue I care deeply about’, the Garden State politician said earlier Monday night on Twitter. 

‘As a son watching my mother break the glass ceiling in politics and as a father of 2 daughters, I have a passion for the pursuit of equality.’

He added that he would opt to offer ‘my seat instead to someone who can bring a more diverse and inclusive point of view to this critical issue’.

The now-nixed panel’s speakers also initially included ESPN National Correspondent Sal Paolantonio, Rowan University President Ali Houshmand, and Virtua President/CEO Richard P. Miller.

The magazine explained three other panels in the four-part ‘ 2017 Women’s Empowerment Series’ were composed of all women and said it wanted to start a discussion with men. 

The statement issued on Twitter by SJ Magazine announcing the cancellation of the 'Women in Business: A man's point of view' panel at the publication's 'Women's Empowerment Series'

The statement issued on Twitter by SJ Magazine announcing the cancellation of the ‘Women in Business: A man’s point of view’ panel at the publication’s ‘Women’s Empowerment Series’

The magazine’s panel series will conclude on Dec 4 with the event ‘Success Stories: Taking charge without wearing a suit and tie’.

The Women’s Empowerment Series is one of the magazine’s annual events that, according to the multi-media company, aim to bring together influential decision-makers, business leaders and upcoming movers and shakers of South Jersey.

SJ Magazine prides itself as the ‘heart and soul’ of South New Jersey. The local lifestyle publication is now in its 17th year of publication.

A panel of female presenters at a past 'Women's Empowerment Series' panel discussion hosted by New Jersey's SJ Magazine

A panel of female presenters at a past ‘Women’s Empowerment Series’ panel discussion hosted by New Jersey’s SJ Magazine

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