Let us hope for more movements of resistance led by women

Readers discuss fire safety, illegal taxis, the merits of veganism and the importance of women-led movements

Like the Palestinian teenager Ahed Al Tamimi, many unseen and unknown individuals around the globe face extreme odds in their quest for justice. AFP

I find Shelina Janmohamed's article This year, women became the face of resistance (December 29) quite moving in its call for the empowerment of women. Like the Palestinian teenager Ahed Al Tamimi, many unseen and unknown individuals around the globe face extreme odds in their quest for justice.

The civil conflicts in countries around the globe have given rise to a number of atrocities against women. The Yazidis, the Rohingya and the Palestinians are some of the examples of extreme suffering. As 2017 ends, their miseries will extend into the next year. The most painful situation is that of children who, instead of receiving their mothers' affection, are growing up witnessing the horrors of war. As the new year dawns, let us hope for more movements of resistance led by women. The young must lead the charge. Let us hope for a better tomorrow.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Taxi touts at the airport create a poor impression

I was recently accosted, for the second time, by unlicensed and illegal touts wanting business as taxi drivers at Abu Dhabi airport. They ignored the sole security officer who was present. Customer services said it was beyond their ability to do anything about it. A police car was parked outside but no officers were to be found.

Airports that do not have this problem have a very visible police presence and large signs warning people not to use illegal taxis. Abu Dhabi wants tourists. But when the first experience is of these illegal touts, it undermines the efforts of the Government to promote tourism. It creates a poor impression.

Judith Finnemore, Al Ain

Can veganism really save the planet?

In reference to your article How a plant-based diet can save the planet (December 28), not so true because the farming industry is also very harmful for the planet.

Julie Mia, UAE

Fire safety awareness can save lives

In reference to the online story Deadly NYC fire lit by child playing with stove (December 29), there are child-proofing tools for stoves. If the child had done it before, wouldn't common sense tell them to instal those?

Beverly Newell, Ras Al Khaimah 

To prevent fires, we turn the gas switch off at the wall in the UAE. Unfortunately this is an uncommon feature in the United States.

Suzanne Arruda-Wessel, Abu Dhabi

It takes more than money to build a great university

In response to the article Bitcoin millionaire, 19, wants to build 'world's best university' in Dubai (December 30), you can't "build" the best university. You can start with a big dream and lots of money and then, over a few decades, the university may become the best, or it may not. Here is just another example of someone thinking money solves everything.

Dave Pryce, United Kingdom