Equal pay for equal work

Equal pay for equal work

My heart swelled with pride as I read the news that His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai had announced a draft law, which guarantees equal gender pay (“Big boost to gender parity as Cabinet passes equal pay law”, Gulf News, April 11). Moments later, I realised something that made it more significant. April 10 was celebrated as Equal Pay Day in some countries this year. Equal Pay Day differs by date, year and country. It is a reflection of how far into the next year the women have to work to make as much as their male counterparts did in the previous year. The UAE definitely owned this day by taking a strong step in the direction towards gender pay equality.

From Ms Fatima Khan

UAE

Changing lives

The nobility and generosity of the honourable rulers of this country never ceases to amaze me (“‘Gladness fills my heart to see all leaders listen to your problems and solve it’”, Gulf News, April 10). Ali Al Mazroui, an Emirati citizen, spoke on a live radio programme about his struggles to provide a decent living for his family due to unemployment, inflation and various other factors. Though he was sincere in his comments, he was mocked by the show presenter. In a magnanimous gesture, Shaikh Mohammad ordered his staff to meet all the immediate requirements of the family, and offered a suitable job to Al Mazroui. He even invited him to attend the UAE Cabinet meeting. The UAE leaders — starting from the father of the nation, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan — have always been a great example of how rulers should be, always putting the citizens’ interests at the fore. No wonder this beautiful country is an example for harmonious living, a model nation where people from different nationalities, with as many different cultures, speaking different languages, peacefully coexist. I sincerely pray that God showers His blessings on this country and its esteemed leaders.

From Ms Sajida Kamal

Abu Dhabi

What a great decision!

I believe that there are more people like Al Mazroui, who must be suffering from financial difficulties, due to a high cost of living. Unfortunately, he was mocked on air by a radio show presenter, which hurt to hear. However, Shaikh Mohammad instructed his officials to fulfil all the requirements of Al Mazroui on an urgent basis. Not only this, but the also advised his team to form a committee to look after such cases in order to provide a decent lifestyle for all deserving Emiratis and I believe this historic decision will help many.

From Mr Qasim Mohammad

UAE

Better late than never

The five-year jail term for actor Salman Khan, which he received for hunting the endangered blackbuck, is a clear message that everyone is equal before the law (“Bollywood star Salman Khan thanks fans after jail release”, Gulf News April 11). The case dates back to the year 1998, and after 20 years, the court has punished him. The Wildlife Protection Act of India upholds the right to save and protect endangered animals, and this verdict will give a clear message to poachers. The jail term, as well as heavy penalties, should be imposed on culprits so that the country can protect the remaining species in forests and wildlife sanctuaries. The rule of law should be equal to all. The verdict took 20 years and this shows just how slow the Indian judiciary is.

From Mr Eappen Elias

Dubai

Stop wealth concentration

The world economy has been expanding in leaps and bounds over the past decade (“Richest 1 per cent to own two-thirds of world’s wealth by 2030: new study”, Gulf News, April 9). While this has resulted in creating affluent groups, mainly in rich countries, the significant benefits of the economic growth is concentrated within minority hands across the globe, making them invincible, and a lobbying power over others. Quite often, people lay the blame on the wealthy, saying that they are the ones manoeuvring and manipulating the system, or are even engaging in unfair means to garner a major share of global development. Though many of them spend for the benefit of society, the widening gap between both groups has not ceased. The unequal wealth distribution in the world brews undesirable emotions among the less privileged groups, triggering jealousy and animosity towards the well-to-do class that later manifests in the form of social unrest, cross-border terrorism and even trade wars.

Mr Salim Moan Panthodi

Abu Dhabi

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