Dundee Economic Summit’s decision to host only male speakers this year is “disheartening” and “bonkers with a capital B” according to critics.
The economic summit takes place on Thursday morning at the Apex hotel at City Quay and aims to celebrate and maximise business in the city of Dundee.
The choice of speakers and chairman sparked fury from local figures.
Labour MSP for North East Scotland Jenny Marra told The Courier: “An all-male panel, although all of them are excellent individuals, is not representative of Dundee’s economy.
“All public forums should have a good mix of men and women because this is the best way for all voices from our community to be heard and to reach more balanced decisions in everyone’s interests.
“Dundee’s economic history is very much built on women’s labour.
“The only way we can forge a sustainable future strategy for our city economy is if women are part of the discussion.”
Mike Press, professor of design policy at Dundee University said: “It’s bonkers with a capital B. The selection of exclusively middle aged white men is disheartening, and doesn’t reflect the diversity of the modern business community.
“It’s really remarkable what women do for business in Dundee and it’s completely unrepresented at the economic summit.
“Recent growth in Scotland, and in Dundee in particular has been driven by women. That’s supported by all the statistics. That is where the future lies.
“In the modern world we need diverse voices, diverse opinions and diverse perspectives. This puts us back in the 1970s.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Some of the speakers were nominated by their organisations while others were chosen because of their particular expertise in the relevant subject matter.”