March 8 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Women’s Day.
The Bahá’is of Centre Wellington want to explain its view of the woman’s position in society. Equality of women and men is one of the fundamental principles of the Bahá’í Faith.
Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of that faith, has given guidance with, “Equality between men and women does not, indeed physiologically it cannot, mean identity of functions. In some things women excel men, for others men are better fitted than women, while in very many things the difference of sex is of no effect at all.
“The differences of function are most apparent in family life. The capacity for motherhood has many far-reaching implications which are recognized in Bahá’í Law. For example, when it is not possible to educate all one’s children, daughters receive preference over sons, as mothers are the first educators of the next generation.”
The truth is that all mankind are the creatures and servants of one God, and in His view all are human. Man is a generic term applying to all humanity. The biblical statement "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" does not mean that woman was not created. The image and likeness of God apply to her as well.
One of the many factors to be considered on this International Women’s Day is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible.
The only remedy is education; for equality means equal opportunity for qualification. Until woman and man recognize and realize equality, social and political progress here or anywhere will be hindered. For the world of humanity consists of two members: one is woman; the other is man. Until these two are equal in strength, the oneness of humanity cannot be established.
Today, people are faced with the reality that Canada is losing many in war.
Bahá’is are taught, “War and its ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war. Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankind.”
In the Bahá’í Scriptures the equality of the sexes is a cornerstone of God’s plan for human development and prosperity.
For more information on the Bahá’i Faith visit www.bahai.org or call 519-843-4140.
The Bahá’is of Centre Wellington extend an invitation to attend an open evening of sharing thoughts, stories and music on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 6 at 7:30pm at the Guelph Wellington Community Living Centre, 280 St. Patrick Street West (corner of St. Patrick and Tower St) in Fergus.
