Among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is the principle of equality of man and
woman. Baha'u'llah has said that both belong to humankind and that in the
estimation of God they are equal, for each is the complement of the other
in the divine creative plan. The only distinction between them in the
sight of God is the purity and righteousness of their deeds and actions,
for that one is preferred by God who is most nearly in the spiritual image
and likeness of the Creator. Throughout the kingdoms of living organisms
there is sex differentiation in function, but no preference or distinction
is made in favor of either male or female. In the animal kingdom
individual sex exists, but rights are equal and without distinction.
Likewise, in the plane or kingdom of the vegetable sex appears, but
equality of function and right is evident. Inasmuch as sex distinction and
preference are not observed in these kingdoms of inferior intelligence, is
it befitting the superior station of man that he should make such
differentiation and estimate, when as a matter of fact there is no
difference indicated in the law of creation?
In ancient times and medieval ages woman was completely subordinated to
man. The cause of this estimate of her inferiority was her lack of
education. A woman's life and intellect were limited to the household.
Glimpses of this may be found even in the Epistles of Saint Paul. In later
centuries the scope and opportunities of a woman's life broadened and
increased. Her mind unfolded and developed; her perceptions awakened and
deepened. The question concerning her was: Why should a woman be left
mentally undeveloped? Science is praiseworthy--whether investigated by the
intellect of man or woman. So, little by little, woman advanced, giving
increasing evidence of equal capabilities with man--whether in scientific
research, political ability or any other sphere of human activity. The
conclusion is evident that woman has been outdistanced through lack of
education and intellectual facilities. If given the same educational
opportunities or course of study, she would develop the same capacity and
abilities.
There are some who declare that woman is not naturally endowed or imbued
with the same capabilities as man; that she is intellectually inferior to
man, weaker in willpower and lacking his courage. This theory is
completely contradicted by history and facts of record. Certain women of
superlative capacity and determination have appeared in the world, peers
of man in intellect and equally courageous. Zenobia was the wife of the
governor-general of Athens. Her husband died, and like the Russian Queen,
Catherine, she manifested the highest degree of capability in the
administration of public affairs. The Roman government appointed her to
succeed her husband. Afterward she conquered Syria, conducted a successful
campaign in Egypt and established a memorable sovereignty. Rome sent an
army against her under direction of distinguished commanders. When the two
forces met in battle, Zenobia arrayed herself in gorgeous apparel, placed
the crown of her kingdom upon her head and rode forth at the head of her
army, defeating the Roman legions so completely that they were not able to
reorganize. The Emperor of Rome himself took command of the next army of
one hundred thousand soldiers and marched into Syria. At that time Rome
was at the zenith of greatness and was the strongest military power in the
world. Zenobia withdrew with her forces to Palmyra and fortified it to
withstand a siege. After two years the Roman Emperor cut off her supplies,
and she was forced to surrender.
The Romans returned in triumphal procession and pageant to their own
country. They entered Rome in great pomp and splendor, led by African
elephants. After the elephants there were lions, then tigers, bears and
monkeys, and after the monkeys, Zenobia--barefooted, walking, a chain of
gold about her neck and a crown in her hand, dignified, majestic, queenly
and courageous notwithstanding her downfall and defeat.
Among other noted women of history was Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, who held
her kingdom against the armies of Rome for a long time. Catherine, wife of
Peter the Great, displayed courage and military strategy of the very
highest order during the war between Russia and Muhammad Pa_sh_a. When the
cause of Russia seemed hopeless, she took her jewels and went before the
Turkish victor, presented them to him and pled the justice of her
country's cause with such convincing skill and diplomacy that peace was
declared.
Victoria, Queen of England, was really superior to all the kings of Europe
in ability, justness and equitable administration. During her long and
brilliant reign the British Empire was immensely extended and enriched,
due to her political sagacity, skill and foresight.
The history of religion, likewise, furnishes eloquent examples of woman's
capability under conditions of great difficulty and necessity. The
conquest of the Holy Land by the Israelites after forty years' wandering
in the desert and wilderness of Judea was accomplished through the
strategy and cunning of a woman.
After the martyrdom of Christ, to Whom be glory, the disciples were
greatly disturbed and disheartened. Even Peter had denied Christ and tried
to shun Him. It was a woman, Mary Magdalene, who confirmed the wavering
disciples in their faith, saying, "Was it the body of Christ or the
reality of Christ that ye have seen crucified? Surely it was His body. His
reality is everlasting and eternal; it hath neither beginning nor ending.
Therefore, why are ye perplexed and discouraged? Christ always spoke of
His being crucified." Mary Magdalene was a mere villager, a peasant woman;
yet she became the means of consolation and confirmation to the disciples
of Christ.
In the Cause of Baha'u'llah there have been women who were superior to men
in illumination, intellect, divine virtues and devotion to God. Among them
was Qurratu'l-'Ayn. When she spoke, she was listened to reverently by the
most learned men. They were most respectful in her presence, and none
dared to contradict her. Among the Baha'i women in Persia today there are
Ruhu'llah and others who are gifted with knowledge, invincible
steadfastness, courage, virtue and power of will. They are superior to men
and well-known throughout Persia.
Briefly, history furnishes evidence that during the past centuries there
have been great women as well as great men; but in general, owing to lack
of educational advantages, women have been restricted and deprived of
opportunity to become fully qualified and representative of humankind.
When given the opportunity for acquiring education, they have shown equal
capacity with men. Some philosophers and writers have considered woman
naturally and by creation inferior to man, claiming as a proof that the
brain of man is larger and heavier than that of woman. This is frail and
faulty evidence, inasmuch as small brains are often found coupled with
superior intellect and large brains possessed by those who are ignorant,
even imbecilic. The truth is that God has endowed all humankind with
intelligence and perception and has confirmed all as His servants and
children; therefore, in the plan and estimate of God there is no
distinction between male or female. The soul that manifests pure deeds and
spiritual graces is most precious in His sight and nearer to Him in its
attainments.
The realities of things have been revealed in this radiant century, and
that which is true must come to the surface. Among these realities is the
principle of the equality of man and woman--equal rights and prerogatives
in all things appertaining to humanity. Baha'u'llah declared this reality
over fifty years ago. But while this principle of equality is true, it is
likewise true that woman must prove her capacity and aptitude, must show
forth the evidences of equality. She must become proficient in the arts
and sciences and prove by her accomplishments that her abilities and
powers have merely been latent. Demonstrations of force, such as are now
taking place in England, are neither becoming nor effective in the cause
of womanhood and equality. Woman must especially devote her energies and
abilities toward the industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to
assist mankind in that which is most needful. By this means she will
demonstrate capability and ensure recognition of equality in the social
and economic equation. Undoubtedly God will confirm her in her efforts and
endeavors, for in this century of radiance Baha'u'llah has proclaimed the
reality of the oneness of the world of humanity and announced that all
nations, peoples and races are one. He has shown that although individuals
may differ in development and capacity, they are essentially and
intrinsically equal as human beings, just as the waves of the sea are
innumerable and different, but the reality of the sea is one. The
plurality of humanity may be likened to the waves, but the reality of
humankind is like the sea itself. All the waves are of the same water; all
are waves of one ocean.
Therefore, strive to show in the human world that women are most capable
and efficient, that their hearts are more tender and susceptible than the
hearts of men, that they are more philanthropic and responsive toward the
needy and suffering, that they are inflexibly opposed to war and are
lovers of peace. Strive that the ideal of international peace may become
realized through the efforts of womankind, for man is more inclined to war
than woman, and a real evidence of woman's superiority will be her service
and efficiency in the establishment of universal peace.
27 August 1912
Talk at Metaphysical Club
Boston, Massachusetts