Women: Nowhere close to the finish line

Women: Nowhere close to the finish line

The world marked International Women’s Day on March 8 (“Violence a big challenge for women - UN”, Gulf News, March 8). But is there really a need for it? A morning that doesn’t give us any news on atrocities against women or a girl child, can be called Women’s Day. We often talk about gender equality. But where does it truly exist? It has always been a man’s world. On the tip of the iceberg, perhaps there is some equality, but the majority of women are still nowhere close to the finish line on the road to a gender neutral world.

How can we bring about this change? How can we stop abuse of women? When can a girl travel safely without any fear of being harassed? In places like the UAE and some Gulf countries, women feel safe. Will other countries follow and bring about a change? That is when we will definitely celebrate Women’s Day.

From Ms Mohana Iyer

UAE

Don’t celebrate just yet

March 8 was a proud moment for all of us, as womanhood was celebrated all over the world. But deep within, I kept thinking: Is womanhood really respected? I just happened to pick up the newspaper a few days ago, and was perturbed, when reading a report about a seven-month-old infant being thrown from the rooftop of a house somewhere in Bihar, India (“Baby girl dies after being thrown from roof in Bihar”, Gulf News, March 8). It was supposed to be just another case of gender discrimination! What more, the baby was feasted upon by some stray dogs in the streets, where she was lying in the pool of blood. Certainly, it makes you think.

Has India really progressed, in terms of gender equality, or is it still in a vegetative state, wherein such incidents are happening and are going unheeded, without any necessary action being taken? The judicial system will do the needful sooner or later, hopefully, but the question that matters here most is – when will society realise the power of the girl child and respect the life gifted to her? When we are all bombarded by numerous Women’s Day messages on our social media accounts, my confused mind is hesitant to rejoice in this moment of joy. I hope society’s thinking changes, and progress is made, so that people can celebrate being a woman in its truest sense.

From Ms Hema Kashyap

UAE

Hazard to themselves

Recently, a daredevil was grilled by the authorities for an unauthorised stunt in Dubai. He had been warned earlier, yet continued to perform stunts and post it on YouTube irresponsibly. It is high time the public takes notice and avoids similar behaviour through online media. What is the guarantee that this man won’t repeat similar stunts again? In the future, if people are seen participating in stunts without any kind of safety measures, they should be jailed or deported.

From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan

Abu Dhabi

Change focus

Mothers, let’s raise our children with absolute commitment and reduce dependence on nannies (“Mum finds naked son in maid’s bed”, Gulf News, March 8). It’s our responsibility. Be close with your child and don’t let anybody spend more time with him/her than you do! I also think that it’s right for Gulf News to write about such news. It’s a very serious issue and serves as a warning for all of us parents.

From Ms Izabella Salloum

UAE

The case for becoming vegan

There has been a lot of talk lately about becoming vegan, or becoming a vegetarian. We have animal rights organisations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) that are notable proponents of what some like to call the ‘vegan propaganda’. But there is one undeniable benefit to becoming vegan that doesn’t necessarily associate with the humane treatment of animals. And that is the humane treatment of the Earth. You might be shocked to learn that almost half of the world’s deforestation occurs because large-scale food industries clear out dense ecosystems to create grasslands to feed livestock that are used to make your delicious cheeseburgers. Almost ten times more water is required for the production of one unit of meat than is required for the production of one unit of nutritious vegetables. Not to mention, a lot more energy is required for the processing of meat, than is required for the harvesting of vegetables. With all these facts in mind, going vegan definitely stands out as a sustainable life choice; at least until alternative, organic animal husbandry can be developed, which can produce meat with minimal damage to the environment.

Ms Paakhi Bhatnagar

Dubai

Boost for public transport

Now that the left turns and u-turns have been reinstated, I feel really positive about the tram system in Dubai (“Dubai Tram extension in design phase”, Gulf News, March 8). Expansion of the network will be a good thing in the long run, and will be much more useful when it serves more areas and provides a viable alternative to driving for a lot of people. At the moment, it just doesn’t cover enough area to make people want to use it, but that will change. Well done Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

From Mr Ian Sanders

Dubai

Longer trips?

Not sure this is a good idea. It could impact traffic in a negative way. Try talking to people who complain that it has made traffic very bad in those areas, and has made their journey longer.

From Ms Eman Alsharnouby

UAE

So what?

What’s new (“‘CIA uses your phone, computer, TV to spy on you’”, Gulf News, March 8)? People will read this and still not care. They will go and buy the next new smartphone in a heartbeat.

From Ms Alima Abu Louth

Dubai

Not enough

This child rapist received a 19 year sentence – that’s one year for each offence (“British child rapist arrested in UAE”, Gulf News, March 8). Offences that involve abusing a young child - as a parent, this infuriates me and makes me question the sanity of the ‘justice’ system in the UK.

From Ms Deepti Ramachandran

Dubai

Justice served

If people had any idea what happens to paedophiles in prison, they’d be glad he didn’t receive the mercy of the death penalty! This man is going to get exactly what’s coming to him, don’t you worry about that.

From Mr Jonathan Botha

Dubai

Not enough

The verdict is like a slap on the wrist! This man is a serial child rapist. The punishment surely should be more severe.

From Ms Diana Al Najdawi

Dubai

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.