Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day which was celebrated yesterday (March 8) was a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for a change and to celebrate the acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. Fifty years ago, we landed on the moon; in the last decade, we discovered new human ancestors and photographed a black hole for the first time.
In the meantime, legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from accessing the same choice of jobs as men. Less than 25pc of parliamentarians were women, as of 2019. One in three women experience gender-based violence, still.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
*****
International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8 to pay tribute to amazing women around the world and to come forward at one page for women’s rights. This day needs to be remembered every time until things improve for women globally. Younger women are now emerging as major agents of change and doing productive movements to solve the issues but some liberals have destroyed the real concept of Women’s Day and their genuine rights, we should highlight the real problems that women are facing in our society such as rape, domestic violence, no right of education even though, Islam gave women equal rights but our society snatched them and created patriarchy.
We need to understand that don’t teach your daughters to be careful, teach your sons to be respectful. So the basic need is not just to make women aware of their rights, but to make men understand that they have to let women have these rights. We need to empower women so that they are able to make their decisions on their own. A strong woman stands up for herself and the stronger woman can stand up for every other woman.
Social change in our society is much needed to make women strong enough to change their mindset and make the world a more equal place because half the population of the world consists of women. The government needs to be aware regarding female education so that Pakistan can be a less hostile place for women. They must present the act upon them rather than just doing a photo session and holding a procession does not fulfil the purpose. Government should offer some concrete suggestions and also implement them.
AYESHA KHAN ANSARI
Karachi
Is Covid-19 vaccine safe?
Currently, there is a belief of many that the Covid-19 vaccine is not safe. Along with this belief of many, is the belief that Covid-19 does not exist. Underlying these beliefs, is the belief that science, even medical science, cannot be trusted; that an individual can “just know” what is true.
I wonder if people with these beliefs, especially the one that distrusts science and medical science, have still chosen to seek help at an emergency room when injured; have still chosen to see a doctor for prenatal care and assistance with birthing a child; have sought a doctor’s help when experiencing a heart attack; or counted on the knowledge of medical science when their child is having convulsions. I wonder if people with these beliefs will welcome science and medical science in some situations and still have great distrust in the case of Covid-19.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Cash currency is going away
Through the platform of your newspaper, I want to focus on an emerging social change in the world i.e. cash currency is going away. It can have positive as well as negative impact on our societies. Plus point is that it can cause noticeable decrease in street crimes like snatching money from people on gun point.
A lot of people today are afraid of carrying cash, particularly large amounts due to the fear of being robbed. But if paper currency is replaced by digital currency or debit card system, it’ll cause ease to the people. For example, if someone steals your debit card, it can be cancelled and replaced easily. While in case of cash if it is stolen then it is gone forever. In Pakistan, street crimes are increasing rapidly while digital currency use is less. Converting to digital currency will be technological as well as economic revolution.
If you see the other side of the picture, then converting to digital currency must be accompanied by high cyber security as chances of hacking will increase. In America, cash is the second most payment method after debit card. In the world of internet Bitcoin is becoming more and more popular. World is moving to digital currency, so should we, it is the need of the time.
LAIBA FATIMA
Bahawalpur
Pressure
on students
The world today is full of tough competition. Students have to endure pressure due to tough competition. The hectic study results in stressed life where there is no place for relaxation and recreation. The examination system also causes many problems. Students spend their days and nights to get good marks and sometimes their results are not according to their expectations, as a result some students attempted suicide in the past.
The expectations of parents and teachers make students to take this step. The pressure of being in competitive race causes a lot of pressure on young minds. Sometimes this stress is often manifested in anger, irritation and even violent behaviour on the part of the students. Also, outdoor sporting activities and hobbies are hopelessly sacrificed. In my view examination system is the main reason for this stress. Finland is the most literate county of the world, and also there is no examination system.
Educationists and policy makers should devise stress-free environment of exams. Counselling of parents and students is an important point to face this pressure. They should participate in sports, games, yoga etc., to combat the stress. This will surely calm their nerves and refresh them better to cope with the usual inevitable pressure.
KOMAL WASEEM
Lahore
