…the equality
of men and women is not a Western construct but a universal spiritual truth — a
statement about human nature — that was promulgated by Bahá’u’lláh nearly one
hundred and fifty years ago in His native Iran. That women should enjoy equal
rights with men is a requirement of justice. It is a principle consonant with
the highest standard of purity and sanctity, whose application strengthens
family life and is essential to the regeneration and progress of any nation.
Indeed, peace in the world and the advancement of civilization depend on its
realization.
(The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 20 June 2008
addressed to the Baha’is in Iran)
