

Commission on the Status of Women

Agenda Item 4, Priority themes: (a) Equality: Equality in political participation and decision-making

Vienna, Austria

26 February-9 March 1990

The Bahá'í­ International Community welcomes the Secretary-General's report on "Equality in Political Participation and Decision-making" and wholeheartedly supports its recommendations. We agree that women must be fully involved at all levels of decision-making, not only because it is just, but because, in the Bahá'í­ view, the full participation of women will hasten social and political progress and lead to the establishment of world peace.

The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is one of the most important, though less acknowledged prerequisites of peace. The denial of such equality perpetrates an injustice against one-half of the world's population and promotes in men harmful attitudes and habits that are carried from the family to the work place, to political life, and ultimately to international relations. There are no grounds, moral, practical, or biological, upon which such denial can be justified. Only as women are welcomed into full partnership in all fields of human endeavor will the moral and psychological climate be created in which international peace can emerge.

The goal of full participation by women is being pursued within Bahá'í­ communities around the world in several ways: by teaching equality of the sexes as a fundamental spiritual principle; by advocating the education of women and girls; and by employing a decision-making process that welcomes women. Bahá'í­s believe that true equity will be realized only when women are accorded full opportunity to develop their capacities and serve humanity. Indeed, where choices must be made, Bahá'í­s are urged to give priority to the education of women and girls.

Gradually, as a result of these complementary efforts, Bahá'í­ communities, large and small, are successfully integrating women into both family and community decision-making. Much of this success is due, we believe, to a unique approach to decision-making, elements of which might be of interest to the Commission in its own important efforts to promote participation of women. We are pleased to have this opportunity, therefore, to share our experience.

Decision-making in the Bahá'í­ community is a collective consultative process, based on universal spiritual principles and conducted according to rules of cooperation, respect, and appreciation of diversity. Because it involves men and women as equals, consultation builds partnership. Anyone, for instance, who joins a Bahá'í­ community, whether in a modern city or a remote village, has the opportunity to participate in community affairs. Both women and men are eligible to vote for and serve on the local governing council, and all members of the community, including youth and children, take part in community consultations. This sharing of views and ideas fosters the consultative process and feeds into the governing council's deliberations.

The Bahá'í­ process of decision-making derives directly from the teachings of the Bahá'í­ Faith. It aims at seeking the truth through a method that relies on an appreciation of the richness of human diversity and a desire for unity. Because it is based on universal spiritual principles, it is adaptable to any culture. Over 18,000 local Bahá'í­ communities in 160 countries with members from over 2,000 ethnic backgrounds are now using consultation to guide their affairs.

Bahá'í­s regard human diversity as an asset. In decision-making, for instance, a diverse group, drawing on the wisdom, knowledge, and experience of each person, can solve complex problems more effectively than any single individual. Indeed, Bahá'í­ consultation seeks to exploit the richness of diversity to spark creativity in planning and problem-solving. By using diversity to meet shared goals, the consultative process itself engenders trust.

In appealing to that which is noble in people, the consultative process also fosters cooperation and the spirit of service, thus discouraging even subtle forms of intimidation. The goal of consultation is not to win, but to find the truth. Therefore, opinions are to be offered humbly, not as definitive and final, but as contributions to the collective effort. Participants are asked to consider carefully the views of others, not clinging to their own, and accept the best solution that emerges. The result is the release of creativity, and the maturation of individuals and the community.

To prepare for a time when legal discrimination against women is eliminated, and the social and economic support structures are erected which will allow women a voice in public policy, women must not only be given experience in consultation, so that they will be ready to step forward and speak their minds and hearts, but they must also be given education to develop the full range of their capacities. The Bahá'í­ International Community, therefore, urges the Commission on the Status of Women to persevere in its efforts to keep before the policy-makers the need for education of women and girls. Without constant attention to this need during 1990, International Literacy Year, and the campaign about to be launched to provide Education for All by the Year 2000, we may find that the girls will continue to be deprived of education in favor of boys.

For its part, the Bahá'í­ International Community assures the Commission that it will continue to promote the equality of women and men as an essential prerequisite for peace and social progress, working to ensure that women will be prepared to participate as full partners with men in the council chambers of the world and will become the greatest promoters of international peace and arbitration.




BIC Document #90-0227