I think that gender differentiation is necessary. I am female and I don't like that fact to be ignored. What I do object to is treatment that is sub-standard because of my gender.
The contention of feminists rejecting the gender-specific article is that gender differentiation must occur before discrimination can set in. Eliminate one prerequisite and you've stalled the discrimination process.
I come from a 93% female profession (nursing) where gender association , (not outright gender distinction) dissuades more men from entering our ancient and esteemed calling. A male colleague of mine suggested, not entirely tongue-in-cheek, that a name not synonymous with breastfeeding would enhance the percentage of men attracted to our profession. Ah, the power of language.
