Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has made some good observations in her opinion article Empowering women: start with more maternity leave (March 16).
Mother’s care is crucial for a child in the initial years. Unfortunately, the reality is different for a large number of families, where women pursue their professional careers.
A lot of women give up their career to raise their children. If this continues to happen, then how can we expect women to be empowered?
This is why it’s important to extend maternity leave. It’s an issue that needs to be given serious thought.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
I think women should be eligible for one year of paid maternity leave, with the option to extend it for another year, even if without pay.
Haneefa Corbie, Abu Dhabi
Do away with a bad ‘tradition’
Regarding the opinion article Flavoured tobacco is not why we smoke shisha (March 9), we know that smoking kills and that shisha is worse than cigarettes. Sadly, more young people are getting addicted to this habit. It is time for Health Authority Abu Dhabi and the municipality to enforce the no-smoking law in public places.
Despite banning shisha in residential areas and public places, the authorities have not enforced the law. That becomes evident when, for example, you visit the Mangroves on the eastern Corniche. The beautiful atmosphere has been spoilt by shisha cafes.
Many prominent restaurants in Abu Dhabi also offer smokers prime seating areas, pushing non-smokers to a corner and compelling them to inhale second-hand smoke. This situations needs to change.
I am happy to see the progress in Dubai, where smoking rules have been strictly enforced in all public places. I was also pleased to see the “Smoking kills” stickers clearly displayed on cigarette packs.
Let no-smoking be our tradition, which is what we should be proud of.
Abdulla N Hamoodi, Abu Dhabi
Let people be free to make their own choices, but make sure they are informed. Otherwise, why not also ban sweets and unhealthy food to stop obesity?
Chris Reid, Dubai
Working mother example for all
Women like Afiya Khalid are an inspiration to others (Between two jobs and motherhood, March 15). They go on to prove that nothing is impossible. Although striking a balance between professional and personal life and successfully fulfilling the responsibilities that come with motherhood and running a business venture can be very challenging, she has made it possible.
It is women like her who show that life does not stop due to a failed marriage. Women are as capable as men and can independently lead a happy life. With education and self-confidence, one can achieve almost anything. Ms Khalid is a perfect example of a modern woman who is both strong and independent.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
The hijab: it’s a woman’s right
Regardless of the purpose for wearing the hijab, a woman has the right to decide whether she will wear it or not (Academic unveils views on hijab, March 17). No individual or organisation should make that decision for her. A woman can decide to wear the hijab for any purpose – cultural, religious, safety, fashion, medical or personal. It's her choice, and she does not have to explain the reason for it.
Dolores Basilio, US
The hijab is a cultural thing. People often justify the hijab as a sign of modesty for women. There are two problems with that. One, why should only women wear it? Does modesty not apply to men? Two, modesty is a character trait, not something defined by what you wear.
The very definition of modesty – the quality or state of being unassuming in the estimation of one’s abilities or possessions – has nothing to do with clothing.
Theo Scheepers, Dubai
