Editor,

RE: "Unlock full potential of men, boys to end gender inequality” (The New Times, July 31).

It could be very useful if the author could explain to us the expertise surrounding "gender”. What does it involve to become such an expert? I am not asking this out of arrogance or conceit but this type of expertise is rare.

I do support your ideas for asking more support to speak out to make equality a reality but as an expert on this issue you may be aware that today’s women are increasingly becoming more powerful than men.

For example, in many European countries women enjoy greater rights than men do.

Moreover, various studies show that in many urban areas in the developing world younger women have become financially stable and are happier than their male counterparts due to the emergence of new culture associated with commercial relationships stemming from the so called modernity.

In other words, younger women are able to get opportunities and favours than younger men.

Yes, patriarchal behaviour remains a global issue. Even in Rwanda where the government has done the uttermost to create equality between men and women some people still view women as objects.

But, over all, we are all sailing in the same boat of powerless and inequality.

There is need to critically assess the gender equality issue from both sides.

Butare