Create awareness about the hijab
The ripping off of a woman’s hijab in London, UK, was a rude act that must be condemned by all wise people (‘UK woman’s hijab ripped off in hate attack in London’, Gulf News, October 10). Muslim women have the right to wear what they want to wear. The attackers who insulted this woman must be caught and face the court for breaching the privacy of a respectable woman. Non-muslims must be aware that the hijab is a symbol of modesty and respect. They wear it to make themselves happy, satisfied, feel empowered and free to move out of their home in a man’s world. From Ms Syeda Ahmad
UAE
Facebook comment
A lot of talent
Filipinos actually have the potential in sports and I really wonder what the reasons are for this absence on the international level (‘Diaz doesn’t want to wait another double-decade’, Gulf News, October 10). The lack of support from the government might be one of the reasons, but I don’t think it’s the only reason. Many African countries are poor and their athletes built their careers from scratch.
From Ms Sam Ham
Dubai
Facebook comment
Pushing children away?
I don’t think that it’s surprising that these girls left without informing their parents (‘Saudi man says daughter slipped out of country without his approval’, Gulf News, October 10). This is the expected outcome in a conservative society that does not give women their due rights. I am sure these girls must have decided not to share their plan with their families since they must have known that they would not be supported in accomplishing their dreams. As parents, it is important to form a friendly bond with children than to exercise authority and strictness that ultimately leads to youngsters becoming hostile and adamant.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Ajman
Facebook comment
Form a friendship
The best plan is to make a friendly relationship with your children so they can discuss their problems without hesitation, just like you said, Ms Fatima Suhail. But, I do believe that it’s important for them to be brought up according to Islamic culture and Sharia.
From Mr Jawad Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
Respect decision
We are now living in the 21st century, but till now we seem to be unable to use our humanity for good. This has happened due to overly strict parents. I respect them both. Although it’s not good to disobey your parents, I hope they enjoy their time.
From Mr Mohan Bhandari
Dubai
Facebook comment
Will they be okay?
All said and done, it’s about the parents’ strict regulations and their conservative beginning. Why did the girls choose to go to that particular place? How could their parents have missed the activities of the children leading up to their departure? Will those girls be safe in the outside world? Only time can tell the story.
From Ms Krishna Kumari
UAE
Facebook comment
World moves forward
The best they can do is if they are honest and true to their heart, they can follow Islam on their new path. But I agree that people usually take these types of steps when parents are really conservative and strict. They don’t realise that the world is changing and girls should be given all possible rights. Perhaps they should change their perspective about certain things.
From Ms Habiba Rose
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Respect every girl
A girl is a blessing for the society, she is the reason for the continuation of life (‘Letters to the editor: International Day of the Girl Child’, Gulf News, October 11). When this girl grows and steps out for her journey into the outer world, is she respected and valued by her community? Is she given equal rights for being educated? Is she able to pursue a non-exploitative career? Is she able to invest in the economy? Does she participate politically in a non-discriminatory atmosphere? Will she be able to live her life to the fullest based on her own choices and abilities?
To improve the condition of women today, the world has come together. Why not think that a girl instead of being treated as someone’s property, should be given a healthy and safe environment to be educated and empowered. Why not educate her and give her the ability to be free to make informed decisions?
From Ms Anju Chhatwani
Dubai
Support young women
Biologically, adolescence means to grow up. This is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. It’s a period when a lot needs to happen. When women get to know themselves, they recognise their inner potential and get prepared to face the challenges of the world. In today’s world, women are still considered a mere weaker section of the society struggling with widespread poverty, limited access to education and health services and persistent discrimination and violence.
They lack social support from a discriminating society that creates a barrier to their economic advancement. There needs to be a change to help young women gain financial independence, to establish good savings habits and to improve future prospects. Girls need to be provided with more mobility to promote their confidence, strengthen their social networks and improve their health.
From Ms Anjum Hassan
Sharjah
Discrimination will disappear
History is witness to the fact that whenever girls are given an opportunity to excel in any field, they have performed beyond expectations. Till a few decades ago, a girl’s destination was her husband’s home, confined largely to the kitchen. She was not entitled to have dreams of her own.
However, some exemplary women leaders across the world such as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi and US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton have reinforced the belief that women are no less compared to men in taking up important roles in society.
As global awareness about protecting and empowering the girl child is growing, we can be assured that very soon, this discrimination will disappear completely. It is the foremost duty of every righteous citizen of every country to support this movement for the betterment of society.
We all should remember that a society, which does not respect its women, can never prosper.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
UAE
How will they do?
Kudos to India’s cricket players Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane for their dazzling double act to put up a winning total against New Zealand at the new venue, Holkar Stadium in Indore, India (Kohli and Rahane put India on top’, Gulf News, October 10). While we feel sorry for Rahane, who missed a double ton, we are glad that he played for the team. It was shocking that despite the freedom to score, Rohit Sharma played like a novice trying to cement his place in the playing.
In fact, for his One Day International (ODI) heroics, he should have scored at least 100+ in the 63 balls he faced. While our 1999 team scored 583 in 167 overs, the present team, who can score 50+ in 17 to 20 balls, could score only score 557 in 169 overs. I hope this doesn’t cost us a win in Indore!
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
Chennai
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
