The Sunday Mail
Flora Teckie A Bahá’í Perspective —
DESPITE the significant progress that has been made in advancing women’s rights in the last few decades, violence against women and girls persists in a wide range of forms.
Observance of “16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” is a reminder of the need to re-examine in the light of justice, the beliefs and practices that contribute towards the oppression of women and girls.
As we commemorate this period let us look at the family and what helps in creating violence-free families. The high incidence rates of violence within the family, the increase in degrading and cruel treatment of spouses and children, and the spread of sexual abuse are among the major challenges facing societies in many parts of the world today.
The victims of such violence are more often women and girls. In one of its statements, the Bahá’í International Community says, “Violence against women is a yardstick by which one can measure the violation of all human rights … Our challenge is to search out new strategies and adopt fresh models that will encourage a healthier, more cooperative society at all levels.
We need to move consciously away from patterns of force and aggressivity and towards methods of consultation and peace-making”.
The place where women and girls are subjected to violence is often within their own homes. Abusive practices against them are being justified in the context of cultural norms, religious beliefs and unfounded “scientific theories” and assumptions.
In many countries, violence within the family is either ignored or even condoned in the name of religion or culture. At policy-making levels, family violence is often considered a private matter, not a punishable offence.
Ending such violence, in the Bahá’í view, requires overcoming gender prejudice and recognition of our oneness. It requires commitment to and observance of moral and spiritual principles, which facilitate the shift in values required to put into practice gender equality and justice towards all.
Besides, there is need for new skills and approaches which encourages communication, mutual trust and respect. There is need to move away from using force and violence to impose one’s will and desires, and instead use cooperation and consultation.
The belief and practice of the principle of the equality of men and women can transform relations within the family. This allowing each person to develop his or her unique gifts to contribute to the well-being of the family and society.
According to the Bahá’í Scriptures: “The integrity of the family bond must be constantly considered and the rights of the individual members must not be transgressed”, “If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and hatred exist within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable” and “Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible”.
Another requirement for creating a happy family is to be able to solve problems together. As equal partners, neither husband nor wife should unjustly dominate the other. The decision-making should be shared.
In the Bahá’í view: “Always, the atmosphere within a family and within the community as a whole should express . . . not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation”.
A profound adjustment in humanity’s outlook, guided by the spiritual principles and recognition of the oneness of human race are crucial to overcoming our prejudices – whether gender-based, racial or religious, that frequently lead to discrimination and violence.
“Indeed, it is in the recognition of the oneness of the human family that hearts will soften, minds will open, and the attitudes of men and women will be transformed”.
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