Female sailors do us proud

THE view that women are inferior to men is virtually non-existent in the Western world, but is still deeply entrenched in the Third World countries, notably India where female foetuses often do not see the light of day.

But women on the sub-continent are breaking down the religious and cultural barriers in a hostile male dominated society.

They are throwing away their aprons and brooms and challenging the opposite sex – not only in the schools, universities, factories, business and commerce but also in daring venture sports.

It was amazing to see six women from India do what has been traditionally the sole preserve of men for centuries – circumnavigating the globe in a 17m sailing boat (“All female crew symbol of hope, excellence”, POST, March 20-25).

Long trampled by a strongly conservative society on the sub-continent, they make their gender proud and give meaning to the saying that whatever men can do women can also do, sometimes better.

What is even more remarkable is the mothers of these female sailors have been fully supportive of their daughters’ daring venture, which we do not see so often. Mothers are often protective of their children, especially daughters, and wouldn’t want them to risk their lives.

I would have loved to meet them. But sadly, the INSV Tarini stopped over only in Cape Town and gave Durban, which has the largest concentration of Indian origin in the diaspora, the miss.

The Queen Mary also bypassed Durban.

It should concern Durban, which recently scooped the award as most liveable city in South Africa for the fourth time.