Absent voices

In today’s world, we still have a scarcity of food around the world. In a time that boasts of cutting-edge technology that could spread information around the world, we still accept the truth that women and girls in some places are denied basic education. We are willing to turn a blind eye to abuse in the name of gender that robs girls of their youth and women of their lives in the name of honour.

And while we engage in the beautiful ritual of Mother’s Day celebrations, there will be unfortunate mothers around the globe who toil over a hot stove to prepare a sparse meal to feed the children they love. There are considerable differences in women’s and men’s opportunities to exert power over economic structures in their societies. In most parts of the world, women are virtually absent from or are poorly represented in economic decision-making processes — including the formulation of financial, monetary, commercial and other economic policies.

From Mr Ahmad Kabeer
Dharapuram, India

Home is where the heart is

Unity in diversity — that is what I think the UAE stands for. The country is like a kaleidoscope where myriad nationalities live together and harmoniously merge into a beautiful society. Home is where your heart is and my heart goes out to this wonderful country with its far-sighted and visionary rulers who strive to the best of their abilities to keep problems at bay.

From Ms Leah Thomas
Sharjah

Taking a stand

The United States recently announced trade sanctions on Iran. I think the United States is trying to project Iran as a major world threat. I would like to ask all people in the region to unite and face the US’s threats.

All these countries should cooperate to overcome future threats. Iran has already explained that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only, but the United States is trying to do the same to Iran as it did to Iraq. The region must come together to chase these kinds of threats, otherwise everyone will suffer just like the Iraqis and Afghans. Use this time to help each other.

From Mr Abdul H. Mohid
Sharjah

Inhumane act

Even when a creature like a lamb is slaughtered for food, it should be done in the least painful way (“Woman cooks neighbour’s kitten in microwave”, Gulf News, November 25). Humans are supposed to respect all life, considering they have a brain and common sense and are supreme among all creatures. It is terrible to treat life, especially that of an innocent creature, in this way. Such people need counselling and therapy.

From Ms Priya Malkani
Sharjah

Trip to Mars

This is an important expedition to find Martian life and I am glad Nasa is initiating another mission (“New Nasa mission to discover if there ever was life on Mars”, Gulf News, November 5). I hope one day they will be able to build a human colony there.
From Mr Brandy Chase
Dubai