Statement to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) regional meeting in preparation for the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace.

Item 5 of the provisional agenda: Formulation of strategies for the advancement of women up to the year 2000 and concrete measures for overcoming the obstacles to the realization of the goals and objectives of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace and of the subthemes: employment, health and education, taking into account the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade and the establishment of a New International Economic Order

In the report of the Group of Experts on Operational Strategies For the Advancement of Women Up to the Year 2,000, LC/G.1322, in which the effectiveness of strategies for the Women's Decade is analyzed and trends and prospects for the future considered, a conclusion was reached that "not enough was done in connection with the implementation of practical solutions and specific ways of overcoming discrimination."

In light of the call for an extension of the Decade to "guarantee transition from the stage of consciousness raising to the stage of action," the Bahá'í­ International Community welcomes the opportunity to offer its continued support and assistance to the United Nations in its efforts to improve the status of women, and to make a few observations as a contribution to the development of future strategies.

A recent survey of Bahá'í­ communities worldwide, on both obstacles and accomplishments affecting women, includes replies from twenty-six Latin American and Caribbean countries. The following observations drawn from this survey illustrate the fact that Bahá'í­s have made great strides not only in changing attitudes towards the advancement or women, but, to the degree that Bahá'í­ principles have been implemented, are using practical, workable methods for creating stability in families and communities.

Bahá'í­ men as well as women are continuing efforts to deepen in their understanding of the equality of men and women, a basic principle of Bahá'í­ belief. They recognize that equality between men and women is necessary to the realization of both development and peace in the world and that every Bahá'í­ must change his own behavior as well as teaching this principle. Equality of sex is taught in every Bahá'í­ home and community, at least to some degree, and the benefits are apparent in both older and younger generations of Bahá'í­s.

In the Bahá'í­ view any inferiority in women is due to lack of education; when they become educated women will develop the same capacity and ability as men -- spiritually there is no difference in the sexes. It is noted that Bahá'í­ women are becoming aware of their right and responsibility to acquire education, are taking initiative in achieving this goal and are increasingly encouraged by Bahá'í­ men and the community. Many Latin American and Caribbean Bahá'í­ communities report that special classes for women, discussion meetings, tutorial school programs and women's conferences have helped to educate the women and make them better able to train the next generation. As a result of such activities, women in rural areas have begun to participate in greater numbers, and many Bahá'í­ women have for the first time travelled to other parts of the country in order to attend.

Belief in the family as a basic unit of society has led to many efforts by Bahá'í­s to strengthen family relationships. Parents have responsibility toward children and children toward their parents, but beyond this Bahá'í­s place emphasis on love, respect, courtesy, kindness and encouragement without which families cannot prosper nor women advance. An awareness is growing of shared responsibility for child care.

Efforts have been made to increase understanding of principles which strengthen marriage. There have been many preparatory classes and discussion meetings for youth as well as counseling for marriages already established. A Bahá'í­ law calling for chastity before marriage and for fidelity after marriage is changing the social patterns among Bahá'í­s.

Another Bahá'í­ precept which has strengthened both the family and the community is that of consultation and joint decision making. This practice provides for the free expression of all views, of men and women alike, followed by majority or unanimous decision which, having been made by the group, is then upheld by everyone. Local and national Bahá'í­ administrative councils mention the important bearing which this system has had in the advancement of women. Women are encouraged to voice their own viewpoint and the men in the community respect this. It is apparent that a Bahá'í­ electoral system with no nominations and a secret ballot has had great effect on the activity of Bahá'í­ women. Women have been elected in ever increasing numbers, to serve on local and national administrative councils in Latin American and Caribbean communities.

The concept of the unity of science and religion and the necessity for both has resulted in an openness to new ideas among Bahá'í­s. Bahá'í­ communities are active in advocating good health practices and sound nutrition as well as sharing other Bahá'í­ concepts for the promotion of the well being and happiness of people, such as the importance of the principle of cooperation. Bahá'í­s are collaborating with other organizations interested in women's issues and they are sponsoring and co-sponsoring conferences and seminars, as well as using the media to raise the consciousness of people regarding the equality of men and women.

Bahá'í­s are also engaged in activities to promote agriculture and cottage crafts thereby raising the living standard of women. Literacy training has often taken place in the Bahá'í­ communities themselves where women are developing their oral reading skills as they participate in teaching and administrative activities.

Although many obstacles still exist and traditional attitudes continue to influence Bahá'í­s, there is an advantage in having clear goals to work towards in promoting a change in the status of women, and in having a community organization which facilitates the achievement of these objectives. As men and women work together, an educational process is put into motion that holds great promise for the future.