The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has recently been promoting the development of a ‘Directory of Professional Women’. As a woman, I find this insulting. I do not want to be segregated for the sake of better opportunities. I’d rather work for them myself. It also appals me that discussions about gender equality are reduced to just work, as if this is all that life consists of.

I feel that this directory wrongly discriminates in favour of women in the name of ‘equality’. I hope that it is not a precursor to an LGBT (or any other social group which wants to stand out) one. I do not see a society where everyone is equally segregated as ideal. Political correctness has to have a limit. It is futile to tone down scientific facts for the sake of being politically correct. Making people feel apprehensive to speak out lest what they are saying is deemed offensive does not promote free speech at all.

Equality does not mean that both sides of an equation are the same. Most often they are not, but this does not reduce the value of each side. Having the same value is true equality. Different genders have different characteristics and that is a scientifically proven fact. In a work environment, these different characteristics are useful because every different quality offers its own advantages. Male and female management styles differ but both can be as equally important to a work organisation. Women can show more empathy towards their co-workers while men are more at ease with a direct supervisory approach. A combination of both can be ideal. Talking about these differences does not amount to discrimination. It is about recognising the inherent value which lies in everyone’s diverse traits.

Our perception of the truth is becoming more and more subjective since conflicting studies exist throughout. This makes it even more important to take a look at humanity’s biological roots to see where priorities lie. In all the living species different genders have their different, equally important roles which are essential for the survival of the whole population. Why humanity must separate itself from nature as if it was some kind of alien species is beyond me.

Recognising gender differences does not reduce anyone’s value. A woman should not be made to feel guilty for consciously making certain life choices. A mother should be respected for wanting to raise her own children herself, because no other person can replace her. Maternal instinct is inherent and hormonal, and certainly not an invention (religious or otherwise), as ‘progressive’ modernity has made it out to be. A woman is greatly discriminated against if her value is reduced to just work and financial gain. There is a whole lot of value in choosing to be a good mother and the condemnation should only be on those who prioritise work and money over the wellness of their own children.

All those who are promoting this pseudo-equality by trying to put everyone in the same box should be ashamed. By signing ‘Come Out’ and similar pledges they are showing the same level of discrimination they are working hard against. They are also disrupting a system which has worked for humanity and for all living species since the dawn of existence. I hope that these people live to see the consequences of their own actions. 

Bernadette Aquilina

Attard