Segregation no answer

Mar 14 2006 By Evening Gazette

Today women demand equal treatment with male counterparts when it comes to work situations, but then some also want to be treated differently when the going gets tough.

To me it is reminiscent of fragile Victorian ladies who suffered from the vapours in response to any little problem.

Apparently a quarter of female business travellers wish to see women-only floors and dining areas in hotels.

More than a third of women feel uncomfortable eating alone in restaurants as they find it intimidating and 61pc dislike solitary drinking in bars.

I have to admit it is much more enjoyable having a meal in company, but when needs must, I am not daunted by eating alone.

One businesswoman, quoted while promoting short and long-term lets on luxury serviced apartments as an alternative to hotel stays, said she believed men found it easier and more acceptable to make small talk with strangers.

I don't concur with that view. I meet loads of women in my line of work who easily hold their own at business dinners and functions when they come across guests they have never met before.

And if people want to succeed in their career for many - whether they are male or female - this comes as part of the territory and is a skill they have to cultivate.

A common reason cited by women disliking the hotel element of business travel is unwanted attention from men.

Yes, this can be a problem but a man behaving like that should be made aware he is unwelcome and told to get lost.

If this fails then a complaint should be made to the hotel about their guest's conduct.

Segregating men and women will do little to advance equality and would be a retrograde step.