…the equality of men and women is not a Western construct
but a universal spiritual truth — a statement about human nature — that was
promulgated by Bahá’u’lláh nearly one hundred and fifty years ago in His native
Iran. That women should enjoy equal rights with men is a requirement of
justice. It is a principle consonant with the highest standard of purity and
sanctity, whose application strengthens family life and is essential to the
regeneration and progress of any nation. Indeed, peace in the world and the
advancement of civilization depend on its realization.
(The Universal House of
Justice, from a message dated 20 June 2008 addressed to the Baha’is in Iran)
