Equality of Women and Men

Since the earliest days of the UN, the Baha'i International Community has been deeply involved in promoting the equality of women and men—as a reflection of one of the central principles of the Baha’i Faith and the efforts of the worldwide Baha’i community as a whole.

Through collaboration with the UN community, we have sought to contribute the perspectives and experiences of the worldwide Baha’i community to the discourse on gender equality. We have supported efforts to protect the rights and promote the well-being of women and girls and have worked closely with the UN and civil society to create more effective and coherent gender equality mechanisms. Recognizing the role that all must play in the creation of a more just society, we strive to bring the voices of civil society to bear on these discussions and debates at the UN.

“The equality of women and men is not a condition whose effects will be limited to half of the world’s population. Its operationalization will revolutionize all facets of human society.”

—Toward a New Discourse on Religion and Gender Equality
    Statement of the Bahá'í International Community


Implications for society

We believe that the equality of  women and men is a facet of human reality and not just a condition to be achieved for the common good. That which makes human beings human—their inherent dignity and nobility—is neither male nor female. The search for meaning, for purpose, for community; the capacity to love, to create, to persevere, has no gender. This has profound implications for the organization of every aspect of human society.

In localities across the world, Baha’is are endeavoring to establish patterns of community life and put in place institutional structures that reflect the belief in the fundamental equality of women and men.

Questions for reflection

How does discrimination against women limit the ability of men and boys to develop to their full potential? How does it impact the progress and well-being of society as a whole? How will progress towards equality transform various facets of human society: the development of intellectual life; the practice of governance; the allocation of material resources; the condition of the family? The Baha'i International Community looks forward to ongoing collaboration and mutual learning with all those engaged in efforts to work towards a global order that provides for the flourishing of all.