We were created male and female.. that we may know one another

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Quran (49: 13)

"يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ" (الحجرات: 13)

This ayah is often cited as a reminder of Islam's guidance to tolerance, interaction, acculturation, cooperation and understanding between peoples.

I see an additional instruction, which is the tolerance, interaction, acculturation, cooperation and understanding between men and women.

There are significant differences between men and women. Each has a unique thinking style. They are different but not better or worse and the differences are only in degree.

Further, to get along, both men and women must respect, accept and expect these differences.

Men are said to be generally more logical, orderly, analytical, and aggressive than women, while women generally are more emotional, intuitive, verbal, holistic, creative, integrative, peaceful, and rule oriented.

But it is not healthy for a man to be too macho with no connection to his intuitive and compassionate side, nor is it healthy for a woman to be too weak and emotional without seeking to promote her strong and intelligent side.

Everyone has a masculine and feminine side to him or her. When these two sides are in balance then we are whole and complete. A society where there is a balance in contribution between men and women is likely to be more just, healthy, and prosperous.