THE EDITOR, Sir:

'Thumps-up' to individuals and organisations who have followed up on the establishment of 'International Women's Day', women do deserve this special tribute, and much more too. However, this is another great concept that is without symmetrical activities and celebrations worldwide to highlight and validate sincere respect for adult females. It somehow seems like compensation for ladies who were neglected on Mother's Day and/or Valentine's Day. Should that be the case, then what about men who are deserted on Father's Day, Valentine's Day - all year round?

Though International Women's Day is a noble gesture that is meant to honour women in a non-partial manner and promoting equality among genders, there are a few questions grabbing at the microphone for attention, such as: What percentage of the world human population regards International Women's Day?

And for those who are aware of it, how should they symbolise this honorary day?

Is it supposedly too tender and affectionate an occasion why there isn't an 'International Men's Day'?

How many women actually know of International Women's Day?

From my experience over the years, paying tribute to a number of ladies every International Women's Day, approximately four out of five women are usually not aware of this acknowledgement. With this being so, and the fact that Mother's Day captures prime time for mothers, as does Valentine's Day for wives and female spouses; the smart man would definitely choose a low-key time with underground values such as International Women's Day, to affirm his secret lover.

Women complain a lot about gender inequality and male domination that they say have stigmatised females as the weaker sex and inferior to their male counterparts. While on other hand, men don't argue about the obvious lesser value that is placed on their well-being by females. Men work themselves to a frazzle to make women happy and afford all that their hearts desire while not benefiting as much or receiving the well-deserved and respected loyal relationship.

Talk about fairness - women want to have their cake and eat it too, and right about now, thousands of women reading this article would love to lobby for an 'International Men's Day', just to 'level the playing field' as the saying goes and every man would climb 'Mount Doom' for a similar veneration of this nature. So what say you? International Men's Day too! Yes! Yes! Yes!

I am, etc.,

C.G. JOHNSON

johnson7c@hotmail.com

Kingston