‘Mumpreneurs’ get work-life balance right

A reader praises women who balance work and motherhood. Other topics: jihadis, gender, bad roads and expensive ice creams.

A reader praises women who manage to balance work and motherhood. Sarah Dea / The National

Thank you for publishing UAE mumpreneurs come in pairs (March 24), about the children's clothing business set up in Dubai by Rebecca Cudby and Amal Almoheiri.

It is heartening to read of ventures run by mothers and doing well. It is never easy for a woman to strike a balance between her professional and personal life. It always involves many challenges and a lot of stress.

The efforts of the women mentioned in the article are commendable and worth appreciation. They are inspirational for other women, those who feel that they cannot work and do well because of the responsibilities of motherhood.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Gender gap will remain in place

I refer to Ayesha Almazroui's opinion article, It will be a while before the gender gap is closed (March 17).

The assumption that women are already empowered or that men are “voluntarily” giving up their rights does not reflect the struggle of women throughout history and around the world.

That struggle continues today, with many women forced into marriage, facing sexual violence, domestic assault and workplace discrimination.

Men still have all the power, and in many places, there is really no room at all for a liberated women.

Name withheld by request

‘Jihadis’ are not true Muslims

I am writing in reference to Faisal Al Yafai's column, Europe provides fertile soil for jihadi recruiters. We must not be afraid to ask why (March 24).

These misguided souls are not fighting jihad, they are terrorists hellbent on propagating an anti-Islamic narrative.

We should stop applying Islamic terminology indiscriminately to these people. Let’s start a public discourse by clearly delineating conceptual boundaries.

Haaike Barnard, Al Ain

The article was interesting and thought-provoking. These rebels have misused the word Islam to identify themselves.

If you study theology, you will discover that Islam is actually a very peaceful religion – something emphasised by the greeting: “Peace be upon you.”

Name withheld by request

Capital’s roads need attention

While I agree that there are problems in the northern Emirates (Sharjah roads among the most dangerous in UAE, March 24), something must also be done about the situation in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi.

Some of the roads there are in a terrible condition.

Theo Scheepers, Dubai

What languages should we learn?

I note that the newly established Swiss International Scientific School has announced that it will help its pupils master English, German and French (Swiss boarding school in Dubai to make three languages its ­focus, March 23). Why German and French?

People need to learn Mandarin because it is the next most common language of business after English.

Chris Reid, Dubai

What about Arabic? Is it not important?

Omar Jaramillo, Germany

Expensive treat is inappropriate

I want to comment on the Black Diamond ice cream being offered at a shop on Jumeirah Beach (Try Dubai's most expensive ice cream – for just Dh2,999, March 23)

People are starving in this world; let’s feed them first ­before promoting nonsense like this.

Sulahudin Nawaz, UK

Selling such ice cream is ridiculous. I can tell that some people have never experienced hunger or even seen it.

Lamz Medite, Abu Dhabi

I’m sure that there are many other topics you could write about that would be of greater benefit to society.

Nora Tatarka, Dubai

Ruler’s support is very welcome

I was pleased to read Sheikh Mohammed shows support at Pink Caravan breast cancer ride (March 24).

It is fantastic that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took part in this event.

Nicola Mundle, Ras Al Khaimah