OPINION

Credit where it's due

Re: "Justice must extend to all women", (Opinion, March 7).

International Women's Day on March 8 should be more than a ceremonial date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the many roles women play in our families, communities and workplaces, and of the challenges many still face.

Inequality, discrimination and limited opportunities remain realities for women in many parts of the world. Ensuring access to education for girls, safety and respect for women, and opportunities based on ability rather than gender should be a priority for any society that hopes to progress.

Empowering women benefits everyone. When women succeed, families and communities grow stronger as well. International Women's Day is therefore both a celebration of women's achievements and a call to renew our commitment to equality.

Rabbit madness

Re: "Passport madness", (PostBag, Jan 18).

I recently tried to top up my Rabbit card at a BTS station. I have used the card for four or five years without issue, but this time I was asked for my passport. When I presented it, staff said they could not verify the number -- probably because my passport has since been renewed and no longer matches the one on file.

I was told to update my details through the Rabbit app's KYC process. After downloading the app and tapping my card, I was asked to enter my passport number -- only to be told it did not match the number on file and that I should return to the BTS ticket office.

So after 15 years of living here and using the BTS, I am once again treated as an "alien".

First credit-card top-ups were discontinued. At 80, I still do not qualify for a senior discount. Now I must jump through hoops simply to give them my money.

And they worry about their image! 555

Keep calm and carry on

Re: "Robust royalty", (PostBag, March 3).

T Turveydrop's quotation from Shakespeare -- "Not all the water in the rough rude sea can wash the balm off from an anointed king" -- is a fitting reminder of the long tradition surrounding monarchy. Shakespeare's audience knew, of course, how Richard II's faith in divine authority ultimately turned out.

Nevertheless, Mr Turveydrop is correct that the British monarchy remains a resilient institution. Recent polling suggests the royal family continues to enjoy considerable public support.

According to a YouGov survey reported on Jan 16, King Charles III has a 60% favourability rating, while his son Prince William enjoys around 74% approval. Princess Catherine is similarly popular. Even controversies surrounding other members of the royal family have only modestly affected overall support for the monarchy, which still stands at about 64%.

Such statistics are powerful aids to institutions and their heads, who are generally better off for knowing how they are perceived by those at whose pleasure they exist to serve.