FUNDamentals

Gender Equality
An Ongoing Discussion

In this issue of FUNDamentals we would like to focus on gender equality. In many of the Baha’i writings the importance of equality between men and women is stressed and related to as necessary for the progress of our global community. While doing our own research, the FUNDamentals staff came across a couple articles and ideas that we would like to share with you. 

We will begin with a quote from the Baha’i writings that speaks directly to our theme. Next we would like to share with you the latest from the Global Economic Forum and their findings concerning the United States and the gender gap. We also want to bring the gender gap discussion a little closer to home by talking about personal finances and the inequality found between women and men. And of course what would an issue of FUNDamentals be without the latest from Hank & Terri! 

From the Writings...

“The world of humanity has two wings, one the male; the other the female. When both wings are reinforced with the same impulse the bird will be enabled to wing its flight heavenward to the summit of progress. Woman must be given the same opportunities as man for perfecting herself in the attainments of learning, science and arts. God has created the man and the woman equal, why should she be deprived of exercising the fullest opportunities afforded by life? Why should we ever raise the question of superiority and inferiority? In the animal kingdom the male and female enjoy suffrage and in the vegetable kingdom the plants all enjoy equal suffrage. In the human kingdom, which claims to be the realm of brotherhood and solidarity, why should we raise this question?”

 

Abdu'l-Baha

(Compilations, Baha'i Scriptures, p. 277)

 
 

Equality of Men and Women
Working to Bridge the Gap

There is no doubt the world has come a long way towards the equality of men and women. In our country in particular the days in which a woman was not allowed to vote or was expected to stay at home may seem a distant memory. But does that mean there is no more room for improvement? Abdu’l-Baha says that “the happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other.” Blatant signs of inequality may be a thing of the past in our country but we continue to strive towards equality and the happiness of mankind.

Financial Literacy and the Gender Gap
Addressing Our Personal Finances 

Abdu’l-Baha has said that "In this Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, the women go neck and neck with the men. In no movement will they be left behind. Their rights with men are equal in degree. They will enter all the administrative branches of politics. They will attain in all such degree as will be considered the very highest station of the world of humanity and will take part in all affairs.” (Paris talks, p. 182)

Often times, since we have seen the minds and hearts of people changing and recognize these words as the truth, we tend to overlook the small but still important disparities that hold us back from realizing our status as complete equals.

Financial Literacy and the Gender Gap
Addressing Our Personal Finances 

Hank & Terri
FUNDamentals comic

It is our pleasure to bring you the latest Hank & Terri from The American Bahá’í. Enjoy!

(Click for larger size)