The gender imbalance of the China list is probably due to the types of industries represented.

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It would also be good to look to redress the current gender imbalance in terms of promotional prospects.

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The idea has been popular with some top names in the legal profession, who are keen to see the gender imbalance redressed.

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Last week the EU's Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding, launched a public consultation to generate initiatives - including possible legislation - aimed at redressing the gender imbalance.

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This is bad news for NGO leaders hoping to use Ms Mai's case to draw attention to the gender imbalance that they say pervades every aspect of Pakistani life.

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Now the idea that there is a gender imbalance in those who go into scientific studies and employment might be true, the thought that we might do something about this could also be reasonable.

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It is my hope that just as girls of my generation were free to choose their own careers, regardless of the barriers of entry in terms of gender imbalance, that my son's generation will experience the same kind of liberation.

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