The Bahá’í Writings promote the equality of the rights of women and men in all arenas of human endeavour. This is regarded as one of the central principles of the Bahá’í Faith and an area of focus for the worldwide Bahá’í community. The Bahá’í Writings liken the world of humanity to a bird with two wings, one ‘man’ and the other ‘woman’ and propose that until the two wings are equally strong the bird of humanity cannot soar. The Bahá’i International Community in its Statement on Equality of Women and Men writes “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 revolutionise all facets of human society”.
Also, the Bahá’i International Community in its 2008 Statement titled Seizing the Opportunity: Redefining the challenge of climate change stated: they [Women] represent perhaps the greatest source of untapped potential in the global effort to overcome the challenges of climate change. Their responsibilities in families, in communities, as farmers and as stewards of natural resources make them uniquely positioned to develop strategies for adapting to changing environmental conditions. Women’s distinct knowledge and needs complement those of men, and must be duly considered in all arenas of community decision-making. It is in relationship and consultation with one another that the most effective strategies for mitigation and adaptation can be devised”.
