The funny thing about the comments section here is that many folks predictably perform the attitude that the column addresses. 
By repeating like a broken record "Merit, merit, merit, merit," you show that you don't understand there is a problem you need to help address. The people at the respected journal Nature know more about it than you do, so once again, with feeling this time: "Nature, one of the top science publications, sums it up best: 'Science remains institutionally sexist. Despite some progress, women scientists are still paid less, promoted less frequently, win fewer grants and are more likely to leave research than similarly qualified men.'" If you value clear thought, use some rigour in your thinking. Sexist dudes pick and promote women even when all else is equal--not a complex point. Getting caught up in the merit vs. quota debate, and siding with the former, shows you (and dudes in science)  are not concentrating well enough. Thus, the need for strident action.