The reason why domestic abuse against women and children is so prevalent in the Arab world lies in the lack of laws against such acts, and the fact that current laws discriminate against women and favour men (Those closest to you can be those who hurt you the most, March 29).
Granted, a myriad of NGOs and human rights organisations across the Middle East have made domestic violence their number one priority, painting a bleak and depressing picture of how bad the situation really is.
aWhen I see these campaigns, I applaud the notion that someone is at least taking the initiative to combat these human rights violations.
But with all due respect, if you don't have laws that criminalise domestic abuse, if you don't have people paying fines or doing serious jail time for committing these crimes, then the problem will never be solved.
My main concern is the NGOs' lack of support. If my husband is beating me mercilessly, I want an organisation that can provide me with temporary shelter, security, some food and, most importantly, free legal aid. Fancy ads on TV and clever campaigns aren't going to help me when my husband is punching me in the face.
Most Arab men, from all religions and sects, find the act of hitting a woman deplorable. Yet they are as silent as the abused themselves.
When more men participate in this conversation, I believe a lot of progress can be made.
Hania Hoss, Dubai
Many obstacles to a 'healthy' UAE
Your report Lack of trust 'hurts health care' (March 29) is an eye opener for the people who do not like to take care of their own health.
People think that simply visiting the doctor and swallowing a few pills of medicine will bring them back to normal health. But what they fail to understand is that their indifferent attitude towards their own health will not only make their own lives miserable, it will also put undue and extra pressure on the resources of the government.
Moderate levels of eating, and a little exercise, will go a long way in building a healthy society, making room for the people who genuinely need medical help.
Muneer Ahmad, Abu Dhabi
The main problem with health care in the UAE is the perception that nurses and any other professionals are holding "dirty" jobs, are overworked, receive low salaries and get no recognition.
Nursing is a noble profession and should receive the appropriate acknowledgement. Only by increasing awareness and public education will the health-care industry attract more local talent.
Brigitte Peetz, Abu Dhabi
Free chairs are available at airport
In regards to the letter from M Khan (Extra wheelchair charges should be investigated, March 29), I agree that wheelchairs should be provided free of charge at airports.
But in fact, that is actually the case. I have arranged a chair for several individuals before without any charge.
The catch: the wheelchair can not enter the aircraft.
In other words, the passenger will require help from their seat to reach the wheelchair.
A ElShafei, Abu Dhabi
Law on exit permit needs clarity
Your news item Jaywalkers to foot the bill or risk being barred from leaving the UAE (March 29) raises more questions than answers.
How will this be enforced? Are authorities catching jaywalkers on the streets? And how will people be notified that they will be denied exit? By SMS?
People should have access to due process before not being allowed to leave the country.
Ethel Banico, Dubai
Bargains can be had if you ask
It is appalling that shop owners overcharge customers (I was ripped off for wearing a kandura, February 26). But this issue might not be about discrimination.
It is well known that shop owners put some room for bargaining into their prices. But some people are ready to buy as soon as they walk into the store.
The best way to buy a product is to check at least two three shops first, or buy from fixed-price department stores.
Ahmed Nadapuramar, Abu Dhabi
Sermons need to broaden topics
This proposal is long over due (Sermon changes proposed, March 28).
Some of the local issues must be addressed, and it is true that every time I leave the weekly prayer, there are plastic drink containers left on the street.
But religious scholars should also be allowed to address regional issues.
Name withheld by request
