I'll just cut to the only relevant question in your reply: > So, unfairly discriminating against people makes them "the most capable individuals for the roles

I'll just cut to the only relevant question in your reply: > So, unfairly discriminating against people makes them "the most capable individuals for the roles they assume"? Yes, it does. If you find a woman with ambition and potential, then train and mentor her to succeed, you'll create in that nurturing the manager you need. Choosing a high-potential candidate based on gender is no more "wrong" than choosing someone for their school affiliation, their shared hobbies or how they "remind one of themselves at that age"; all of which are common, and all of which privilege the status quo (men).