MUCH has been written on gender discrimination. But I would like to highlight another sort of gender discrimination or reverse discrimination against men. It is about favours given to women against their male colleagues. This favour is given to women in offices by their male bosses, mentors and trainers.

Unfortunately, in the subcontinent, this ‘gender discrimination’ is very often observed and is increasing. No matter where one is, one can often feel this gender discrimination.

In universities or educational institution, teachers often show this gender discrimination in viva. For employees, one’s boss would make you feel that discrimination in meetings, training or question and answer sessions.

My argument does not mean an attack on women’s rights which is a critical and hot topic in our country since independence. Everyone talks about women’s rights but no one talks about the rights of men who are being discriminated in our society against women. If a woman deserving, not in beauty, but in professional qualities, she must be given her right. But for God’s sake, promotion and encouragement should not be on the basis of beauty as this bias could become a source of disappointment and distress for an otherwise ingenious and diligent man.

But there are people who judge the qualities on the basis of professionalism and competency rather than beauty and appearance. Bravo to all those who treat people on merit and not on the basis of gender.

I request others to follow in their footsteps.

HAROON WAHAB Lahore