I've been following the discussion on Awam with interest.

I agree with Eric Paulsen that in winning greater support for the women's movement, it is best to be mindful of gender polemics.

However, by putting his point across the way he did, Mr Paulsen shows that in matters of gender relations, it is easy to be sidetracked by such a contentious exchange of opinions. One would have thought that the more topical issue in regard to Awam would be its proposed march against violence.

What is of more concern, though, is the effect of Mr Paulsen's original letter , intended or otherwise, which has been to disparage the real public advocacy work that women's organisations like Awam have been and are performing.

No doubt, this work will be aided by greater public support that comes from, among other things, their projecting the right image and saying the right things.

(Assuming you have access to media and can stay in touch with your public in this way. I think a consistent, tempered, and professional image is something all NGOs can benefit from having.)

But while the message is refined and the long-term strategies are thought through, those who work in aid of the women who now need it most should be given ungrudging support, never mind the playground name-calling.