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The fundamental principle governing human relationships is the oneness of humankind, the belief that all human beings are equal. The equality of women and men is a basic requirement derived from this principle. Though the capacities of each person may be different, the opportunity to make a contribution to the advancement of civilisation must be available to women and men alike.
Essential to the development of the oneness of humankind is the realisation of the interdependence of individuals and of their equality in the sight of God. The writings of the Bahá'í Faith explain how the fullest possible development of each member of the human race benefits the whole human race.
"And let it be known once more that until woman and man recognise and realise equality, social and political progress here or anywhere will not be possible. For the world of humanity consists of two parts or members: one is woman; the other is man. Until these two members are equal in strength , the oneness of humanity cannot be established, and the happiness and felicity of mankind will not be a reality... " (1)
The lack of opportunity for women has, in fact, prevented men from exercising their capacities to the full.
"Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and society they are a very important element. As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs. " (2)
We are entering into an age in which we will need to take full advantage of the human resources of the planet in order to solve global problems. The solutions will require more than scientific ingenuity; more responsibility and compassion must balance the increase of knowledge. The "feminine" aspect of every person is necessary to balance the advanced technology of modern times and its possible negative side effects. Bahá'ís believe that the requirements of the present day differ from those of the past.
"The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting - force is losing its weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong are gaining ascendance. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine, and more permeated with the feminine ideals - or to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilisation will be more evenly balanced." (3)
The interdependence among human beings no longer can be based on rigidly defined roles or obligations. Today, all people should be entitled to receive an education and to advance in the trades or professions, each according to his or her capacity. The full potential of the human race can only be realised when each individual member has fully developed his or her own capabilities. The importance of the equality of educational rights for women and men is emphasised repeatedly in the Bahá'í Writings.
"Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to the need of equal education and opportunity. Had she been allowed this equality, there is no doubt she would be the counterpart of man in ability and capacity. The happiness of mankind will be realised when women and men co-ordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other." (4)
The first step, then, to the achievement of equality is the education by parents of both daughters and sons, so that women will have the opportunity to prove their equality of capacity, in all fields of human endeavour and to take their places among the leaders of government, industry, trades, arts and professions. Only then can we begin to discover the road to world peace, economic stability, and justice.
"Daughters and sons must follow the same curriculum of study, thereby promoting unity of the sexes. When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realised, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. " (5)
The Bahá'í writings further state that the education of women is essential for the advancement of civilisation as they play a crucial role in the development of coming generations.
"...the education of women is more necessary and important than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child from its infancy." (6)
Formal education alone, however, is not enough. The prejudices that divide women and men, the preconceptions; the expectations, the habits, patterns of behaviour we have learned in order to survive in the world, are deep seated and resistant to change. The only means that can shake the old patterns and promise new ways of interacting are spiritual. For it is only by spiritual means that both the hearts and the minds of women and men will be touched and their attitudes and actions changed.
To create change beyond a superficial level it is necessary for every woman and every man to recognise his or her prejudices and fears and to begin the process of eliminating them. This process requires a commitment to strive for one's own growth and development while encouraging the growth and development of others. It requires us to listen to each other carefully in order to discover the ways in which we may be unconsciously hindering the development of others. It requires us to try out new behaviours and responses, in a conscious way at first, and perhaps in very small steps, but eventually to make these new ways of behaving part of our daily lives
Consultation, practised by Bahá'ís as a means of decision making and conflict resolution, is one of the primary means by which we live in harmony with one another. Through consultation we explain fully, our own point of view while listening closely to the point of view of others. We respect the ideas of each person and do not become angry or impatient if our idea is not accepted. As 'Abdu'l-Bahá explains, when we rely on consultation, and honestly listen to one another, the appropriate course of action will become apparent.
"Settle all things, both great and small, by consultation. Without prior consultation, take no important step in your own personal affairs. Concern yourselves with one another. Help along one another's projects and plans. Grieve over one another. Let none in the whole country go in need. Befriend one another until ye become as a single body, one and all." (7)
The coming to maturity of the human race depends upon the commitment of each individual to the principle of justice and to the small steps that he or she can take every day to eliminate prejudice and to realise the equality of women and men. This commitment implies conscious and determined effort. It provides us with unlimited opportunity, while requiring of us an open heart, and a selfless attitude. The progress that each of us makes toward the equality of women and men will benefit all of us, and will contribute to the unfoldment of world peace.
References:
(1), (4), (5), (6) ''The Promulgation of Universal Peace'
(2) 'Paris Talks' ('Abdu'l-Bahá)
(3) 'Abdu'l-Bahá cited in 'Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era' by John Esslemont
(7) 'Consultation: A Compilation'
'Abdu'l-Bahá (Sir 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas K.B.E) 1844-1921 was the son of the Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, and its Head 1892-1921
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom
27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD
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