Sir: I am writing in reference to Mashal Sahir’s article ‘Daughters of the nation’ (Daily Times, December 29, 2010). I think we all know about women’s status in Pakistan. Millions cannot step out of their homes, cannot talk to men, and must wear burqas and cover themselves properly. But what Mashal Sahir writes is an eye-opener, which she describes so well in her piece. Our society is always obsessed with issues that are of minor importance, and the status of women is hardly mentioned as the biggest shame in our society. We wrongfully call it family ‘honour’ when we dictate to women to justify our behaviour. Ms Sahir needs to be commended for writing such a thoughtfully researched article. I hope we feel some guilt for accepting the status quo of women and not actively participating in changing things for them. SHARIF LONEAmnazimtoti, South Africa