Celebrating International Women’s Day

Our readers have their say on International Women's Day, overcoming racism in the US and the difficulty of administering vaccines

International Women's Day was a chance to reflect on the many successes and difficulties women witnessed in 2020. Reuters

I write in reference to The National's Editorial International Women's day 2021: Is there much to celebrate? (March 8): I found it deeply thought-provoking.

It is amazing to have witnessed IWD on its 110th year. It will have been celebrated all over the world, particularly in my home country of India, where female officers have recently been deployed on warships after a hiatus of over two decades.

I am sure that the UAE will continue to demonstrate its commitment to female empowerment over the next year. Around the world, we must focus particularly on helping those women most affected by the pandemic.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

The challenge of administering Covid-19 doses

I write in reference to Daniel Bardsley's article Six promising Covid-19 vaccines set to join the immunisation race (March 8): it is fantastic that the world may soon have more vaccines. Except Johnson & Johnson, all of them need two doses. Manufacturers should aim for complete immunisation with a single jab, which would greatly accelerate the speed at which the world can be inoculated.

The other challenge is administering doses. In India, the online registration process can be erratic. This means that some senior citizens are unable to register.

India provides IT services to the world through many renowned companies. Perhaps it would be wise to outsource the vaccine registration process to them.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

How supporting black-owned companies can help overcome racism

I write in reference to Olivia Cuthbert's article 'Reign of terror': the rule of racism in America (June 8, 2020): I wanted to thank you for supporting the black community.

The events of last summer (BLM protests and Covid-19) saw many people rally to support Black-owned businesses. Sadly, since summer ended, people forgot to keep sharing and supporting these companies.

Victoria Mesber

Covid-19 cases fall in the UAE

I write in reference to the article Coronavirus: fall in UAE cases 'brings normal life a step closer': I hope it stays like this, and that we will not have to see another spike in cases.

Name withheld on request