Celebrating the fundamental truth of equality on International Women's Day

March 5, 2010 - PRLog -- West Berkshire’s Bahá'i Community members are marking International Women’s Day on 8 March by sharing their thoughts on women's roles as full equals in society.

The men and women voiced their opinions as United Nation's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon released his statement about the day's theme of 'Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for All'.

He said: "Gender equality and women's empowerment are fundamental to the global mission of the United Nations to achieve equal rights and dignity for all . . .But equality for women and girls is also an economic and social imperative. Until women and girls are liberated from poverty and injustice, all our goals - peace, security, sustainable development - stand in jeopardy."

From a woman’s view:

Shohreh Fleming said: “I believe that every woman has the right to equality. Without equality of opportunity, I wouldn’t be the person I am today - as Chief Executive Officer of a successful company that has a £3 million turnover and employs more than 20 staff, I’m able to create opportunities for others. I dream of the achievement of full equality between the sexes for people everywhere.”

Ferdous Khorassani said: “Full equality is essential to human progress and the transformation of society. I have seen lots of progress towards equality in the last 60 years or so, but the fact that half of the world’s population is often denied equality is an affront to human dignity. “

Mrya Erbenova said: “The elimination of discrimination against women is a spiritual and moral imperative that must ultimately reshape the lives of many women. There have been many strides taken towards equality, but without fundamental changes in the attitudes and values of individuals and in the underlying ethos of social institutions, full equality between women and men cannot be achieved.”

Salome Wagh said: “Equality does not deny that differences in function between women and men exist, but instead it affirms the complementary roles that men and women fulfil in the home and society at large. Inequality promotes destructive attitudes and habits in men and women that pass from the family to the work place, to political life and, ultimately, to international relations.”

Anisa Khorassani said: “As a child, I see examples of both equality and inequality amongst my friends – boys and girls. I hope that as I grow up I see equality strengthen between women and men. My grandmother tells me stories which make me realise that things are improving all of the time – I really hope that a day will come when men will welcome women in all aspects of life.”

From a man’s view:

Shawn Khorassani said: “Men have an inescapable duty to promote the equality of women. The presumption of superiority by men thwarts the ambition of women and inhibits the creation of an environment in which equality may reign.”

Anthony Fleming said: “The destructive effects of inequality prevent men from maturing and developing the qualities necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Men must engage in a careful, deliberate examination of attitudes, feelings and behaviour deeply rooted in cultural habit, that block the equal participation of women and stifle the growth of men.”

More details about what's important to the Thames Valley Baha'i Community can be found on http://tvbahai.wordpress.com/

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West Berkshire Bahá'i Community and Thames Valley Bahá'i Community meet regularly to discuss Bahá'i teachings and beliefs. The Bahá'i faith is an independent world religion. Its principles include: equality of women and men and universal education.