More rights for women worldwide

More rights for women worldwide

Although women the world over, especially those from Europe and Americas, have made immense progress with respect to their social and economic status, still millions of women in the underdeveloped and developing nations continue to struggle to win their rights (“Letters to the Editor: International Women’s Day”, Gulf News, March 8). The beginning of 21st century witnessed greater emancipation of women living in the developed world through securing equal rights for education and job opportunities on a par with their male counterparts. The most prominent achievement for the women in the United States was an amendment to the constitution of the nation which granted them the right to vote, which was ratified in 1920, after a century long protest. Europe also worked towards granting women more rights which empowered them through education and becoming financially independent. However, many Asian countries lag behind in securing women’s freedom and mostly remain dependant on male support. Cultural and religious influences are primary reasons why Asian women still struggle to realise their dreams. In Asian societies, traditions play a bigger role in everyday life and male domination is visible in every sphere of life.

From Mr Esmail Mohammad

Dubai

Rights for men and women

Women have been victims of oppression since the beginning of time. They have had to prove themselves again and again, and be on a par with men. Working mothers still face criticism for leaving their children and not spending time with them, while homemakers are criticised for not really ‘working’. Women are still payed less for equal work, for the same amount of time. Let us remind ourselves that women are human too and deserve the same rights as men.

From Ms Aliana M.

Dubai

Always under stress

It’s all very well for the Indian Prime Minister and all of us parents, mentors and teachers to tell the students who are appearing for their board exams to stay calm and stress free (“Indian students start taking CBSE board exams”, Gulf News, March 5). But given the sheer volume that the students have to master, it’s difficult not to get stressed and worried. For those students who are appearing for the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams this year, there is additional pressure for students of both Grade 10 and Grade 12. For students in Grade 10, it’s the first year where they have to write the exam with the full year‘s portion, and that’s something they have never done before. For Grade 12 students there is the news that there is no moderation this year, which adds to the pressure they are already facing as this puts them at a disadvantage compared to students passing out of other examination boards, where the moderation system continues. Later on, their situation gets worse in college entrance examinations because weightage is given to both the marks obtained in the board exams and the entrance results. How is that fair to them? Given these facts, how do we realistically expect the students to be stress free? All we can do is wish and hope that they do well and the results are fair to all.

From Ms Sarita S.

UAE

Talent and professional skills

Once, Napoleon Bonaparte the famous French statesmen and military general said: “Give me good mothers and I shall give you a great nation.” Men and women have different characteristics and behaviours according to their needs and emotions. However, when it comes to work, it is talent and professional skills, which are mainly associated with the success and health of any business organisation. Creating some advantages for female workers is being impartial. Workplace equality represents when each employee regardless of gender has access to the same resources and benefits. Many countries are progressing substantially towards gender equality. But still there is a lot to be done to remove gender barriers, providing equal participation to the workforce with same opportunities and benefits regardless of any gender discrimination among employees. Fifty percent of the world’s population is represented by women and girls. This huge available potential, should it be utilised at the optimum level of ability with equivalent pay scale. In countries where women are advancing in careers with best opportunities given are more successful and prosperous nations as compared to other deprived and neglected regions worldwide. My understanding is that investing in women is the right nation building process.

From Mr Saadat Ullah Khan

Sharjah

Instilling the habit of reading

Wars could start or stop due to powerful thoughts reflected in sentences. Isn’t it astonishing, the power of a tiny pencil if one knows how to make use of it? They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but my picture alone will not reflect my passion for friendship or freedom. I am best expressed in words, sentences and expressions. Books, newspapers and magazines taught me the value of patience and it helps me survive better in this data driven digital era. Picturing my glorious heritage was not hard, thanks to the ancestors who took time to jot it down. If not for this stored source of knowledge, you and I would have been clueless about the French revolution or evolution of mankind. Reading should not be just a chore. It’s a privilege. World Book day is a UNESCO initiative to mark the importance of books and reading. It’s a day of paramount importance to the Children in Dubai and to countries across the globe. The guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Ruler of Dubai has presented us with endless opportunities to uplift and change our reading habits. Education helps us begin. The habit of reading will bring everything within your reach.

From Mr Sanith Santhasa Piyadigamage

Dubai

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