Woman can work and care for her children

I refer to the letter headlined 'Women must stay at home', by Hung Man-wo Raymond (South China Morning Post, September 4).

After I read the letter, I felt so disappointed. Why are women always discriminated against? Mr Hung believes women should stay at home to raise children and maintain a clean and comfortable home.

He feels they needn't go out to work and that the only responsibility for a woman is to be a good housewife.

He is, in effect, describing traditional views about women.

However, times have changed and women's rights are now regarded as being more important than they were in past generations. Society now believes that men and women should be considered as equals.

I disagree with those who say that if women go out to work, children and husbands will be neglected and this will lead to an increase in the number of broken homes. Just because a woman remains at home does not automatically mean she is a good mother. A woman in full-time employment who cares for her children after she returns from work each day can be considered a good mother.

There is no evidence to support the view that women cannot divide their time and energy successfully between home and the professional world outside. Today, many women can be successful in their profession and be part of a warm and loving family. Furthermore, by going out to work, a woman may help alleviate any financial problems the family may have.

Women deserve equal status before the law.

They must defend their right to equal rights in education and the right to work. Sexual discrimination must be removed.

NATALIE WONG New Territories