Women are not victims

Sir, - Mothers usually feel a special responsibility to commit time and energy to the rearing of their children.

This often leads them to prioritise child care over career progression, at least for a period. This wonderful contribution to society should be celebrated and honoured.

Feminists, such as virtually every media commentator and politician in Scotland, disagree.

They believe that women should feel victimised because they have chosen to sacrifice a degree of financial gain for the benefit of their children.

The latest gender pay gap figures have prompted the latest round of hand-wringing.

When a person sacrifices a lucrative career to work with homeless people, for example, they are lauded as a selfless humanitarian, moving beyond mere mercenary motivation.

When a women sacrifices some aspects of career development to spend time nurturing her own children, she is regarded as a combination of victim and traitor to the feminist cause.

Many women actually would like to work less and spend more time at home with the kids, but politicians are only interested in helping women to work more.

Why do feminists seem so intent on making women the same as men?

Richard Lucas. 11 Broomyknowe, Colinton, Edinburgh.