A Compilation on Women | Page 8

accomplishment is complete with two hands, so man and
woman, the two parts of the social body, must be perfect. It is not
natural that either should remain undeveloped; and until both are
perfected, the happiness of the human world will not be realized.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912",
p. 134) [16]

17: The status of woman in former times was exceedingly deplorable,
for it was...
The status of woman in former times was exceedingly deplorable, for it
was the belief of the Orient that it was best for woman to be ignorant. It
was considered preferable that she should not know reading or writing
in order that she might not be informed of events in the world. Woman
was considered to be created for rearing children and attending to the
duties of the household. If she pursued educational courses, it was
deemed contrary to chastity; hence women were made prisoners of the
household. The houses did not even have windows opening upon the
outside world. Bahá'u'lláh destroyed these ideas and proclaimed the
equality of man and woman. He made woman respected by
commanding that all women be educated, that there be no difference in
the education of the two sexes and that man and woman share the same
rights. In the estimation of God there is no distinction of sex. One
whose thought is pure, whose education is superior, whose scientific
attainments are greater, whose deeds of philanthropy excel, be that one
man or woman, white or colored, is entitled to full rights and
recognition; there is no differentiation whatsoever....
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by

'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912",
p. 166) [17]

18: Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her need
of equal...
Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her 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 realized when women and
men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and
helpmeet of the other.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912",
p. 182) [18]

19: He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is peculiar to
the...
He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is peculiar to the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, for all other religions have placed man above
woman.
("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by
'Abdu'l-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912",
p. 455) [19]

20: Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and
society they...
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.
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912",
10th ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), p. 133) [20]

21: In the world of humanity ... the female sex is treated as though
inferior, and...
In the world of humanity ... the female sex is treated as though inferior,
and is not allowed equal rights and privileges. This condition is due not
to nature, but to education. In the Divine Creation there is no such
distinction. Neither sex is superior to the other in the sight of God. Why
then should one sex assert the inferiority of the other, withholding just
rights and privileges as though God had given His authority for such a
course of action? If women received the same educational advantages
as those of men, the result would demonstrate the equality of capacity
of both for scholarship.
In some respects woman is superior to man. She is more tender-hearted,
more receptive, her intuition is more intense.
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912",
p. 161) [21]

22: Divine Justice demands that the rights of both sexes should be
equally...
Divine Justice demands that the rights of both sexes should be equally
respected since neither is superior to the other in the eyes of Heaven.
Dignity before God depends, not on sex, but on purity and luminosity
of heart. Human virtues belong equally to all!
("Paris Talks: Addresses given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912",
p. 162) [22]

23: In the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, women are advancing side by
side with...
In the Dispensation of Bahá'u'lláh, women are advancing side by side
with men. There is no area or instance where they