Welcome to the new Isle of Woman

Some may view this as nothing less than sacrilege

The Isle of Man has been dubbed the Isle of Woman for a weekend-long publicity stunt.

It is to coincide with the launch of a chocolate bar for women, and tourism officials think they can use the publicity to attract visitors.

"Laws" have been created encouraging men to do the housework, and sports teams will play in pink.

The island was recently in the news after the arrest of its chief minister in a probe over grants.

Other events include "ladies only" drinking at a pub in the capital Douglas well-known for having a men-only bar prior to equal rights legislation.

The ancient symbol of the island, the Three Legs of Man or triskele, has been changed to a pink version with the legs of a woman.

One of the airlines serving the island and a newspaper have also been renamed for the occasion. The government's tourism website will be rebranded over the weekend as well.

The men who normally have it fairly easy will be required to do all the tasks David Cretney, tourism minister

Tourism minister David Cretney told BBC News that the island was not being exploited and said opinion about the island's participation had been mostly positive.

He said it could prove useful in tackling lack of knowledge about the island and even confusion as to where it is.

"Yorkie contacted us in October and asked whether we were up for a bit of fun, and to promote the Isle of Man.

"We have announced certain 'laws' for the benefit of the female section of the population.

"The men who normally have it fairly easy will be required to do all the tasks."

Mr Cretney dismissed criticism the stunt was patronising and that the island should concentrate on promoting genuine equal rights for women.

Early vote

The pink "feminised" version of the national symbol would not replace the flag on public buildings as many would feel that was taking the joke too far, Mr Cretney said.

Despite being the first place in the world to give women the vote, in 1881, the island has always been viewed as socially conservative, only repealing the death penalty and laws against homosexuality in the last few years.

Environmental activist Muriel Garland said she was not against the stunt per se, but that the island was not in step with the UK when it came to equal rights.

"I feel strongly about equality and human rights," she said.

"Like the issue of separate taxation. They still address the letter from the tax authorities to the man of the household who is supposed to fill it in. It's not like the UK."

The stunt is part of the launch of the Yorkie Pink chocolate bar.