I don't understand the focus on, or even mention of a woman's monthly cycle. It's true that for about 35 years of a life that lasts maybe 80 years most women have to put up with this inconvenience. I don't recall reading that Margaret Thatcher had to cancel a government meeting because of this monthly event. I don't recall Serena Williams failing to play tennis. Or India Gandhi failing to show up at a U.N. council meeting because of it. I'm not sure why men focus on this one aspect of being a woman. It is not an infirmity. It is as inconsequential as having an occasional headache. If the inconvenience becomes more than that, then women should consult a doctor and have it taken care of.

Focusing on the very small things about our bodies that distinguish gender only makes sense if one wishes to treat men and women differently. Please, don't worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Just give us an equal chance to do that. I promise you--we will be, and are stiff competition.

Frankly, I think men focus on the physical gender distinctions because that is convenient for them. How neat it is for men to just eliminate half the competitive individuals in the world. It's been hard, since we're in the race, hasn't it? We take jobs. Those are supposed to be men's jobs, aren't they? We win academic awards that were previously reserved for men. We vote in elections and choose candidates that do not suit men's interest. This is a hard world for men, at least harder than it used to be when we had no vote, no jobs, no rights.

I do love being in this time in this place in the world. It's certainly not fair yet. Look at the boards of major companies. Look at cabinet meetings in government. Still dominated by men. But at least we have a shot now, and things are going to get better. We'll make sure of that.

Nice chatting with you about this very important issue.