Women's advocates say controversial comments made by the former chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern) may have helped their efforts to close the gender pay gap.
Alasdair Thompson was sacked by the association's board on Wednesday after saying women earn less then men because they take time off for their period and to care for children.
Global Women board member Mai Chen says it was an important debate to have and has galvanised women to demand to be paid what they are worth.
Ms Chen says the gender pay gap may close as a consequence.
The National Council of Women says Mr Thompson's comments have only helped the argument that there needs to be more transparency around pay.
