WOMEN'S ROLE IN SOCIAL COHESION

AS WE observe National Women’s Month in August, it is timely to reflect on the importance of the empowerment of women, and their role in social cohesion — both in our communities and in global society.

- FLORA TECKIE

The non-aggressive tendencies in women, who by nature seek cooperative means to solving problems, are becoming more and more appreciated by societies attempting to solve conflicts by peaceful means.

It is the Baha'i view that equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and full and equal participation of women in all spheres of life, are essential for the abolition of war, and the ultimate establishment of a united world.

As the Baha'i Writings state: “when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world ... war will cease”, and the Baha'i International Community in one of its statements to United Nations, asserts: “The creation of a peaceful and sustainable world civilisation will be impossible without the full participation of women in every arena of human activity”.