BAHÁ'Í FAITH

The Principle of Gradualism 

 

One of the core teachings of the Baha’i Faith is that equality of the sexes is a spiritual standard essential for the unification of the globe. Therefore, American Baha’i women DO have adequate administrative authority, often holding high leadership positions and participating in important decisions. Nonetheless, the service of women in elected Baha’i positions, globally, has intentionally emerged gradually. Abdu’l-Baha recognized that women could not fully take their rightful place in administration of the Baha’i Faith precipitously.

 

Throughout history, women have been deprived of education and training. Once this unfortunate detriment to equality is reversed, distinctions of gender equality will be erased. Abdu’l-Baha writes,”…[A]t present, all women do not manifest their natal prerogatives, owing to lack of education and opportunity.” Thus, membership on the highest body of the Baha’i Faith, while temporarily confined to men, will be followed by full inclusion by women when worldwide educational prerequisites have been achieved.