We need to stop promoting "female architects" in worthy lists and exhibitions, so that women can be seen as more than second-class citizens, argues Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.

I was mentioned on Dezeen's list of 50 inspirational female architects and designers, to mark International Women's Day back in March. While I greatly appreciated the gesture and sympathise with the idea of giving tribute to the relatively few women who have managed to make their mark on the international world of architecture, I do, however, find these particular kinds of lists a step in the wrong direction.
Allow me to explain; I am not a female architect. I am an architect.
Rarely are women known as female accountants, female lawyers, female taxi drivers or female journalists. But "female architects" seems to be an unshakeable phrase. When we talk about gender, we tend to talk about women. Men do not really have a gender. They are just? neutral. Non-gender. That is why you do not recognise the term "male architect". It just goes without saying.
Female architects are the exception to that rule. An anomaly worthy of applause and attention once in a blue moon ? and International Women's Day seems as blue a moon as any.
When we talk about gender, we tend to talk about women
Groucho Marx famously quipped that he refused to join any club that would have him as a member. You might think that this is my problem. That I simply ? due to some private, troubled relat...