The Sunday Mail
Flora Teckie
Observance of “16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”, from November 25 to December 10, 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 and perpetuate violence against them.
Although significant progress has been made in advancing women’s rights in the last few decades, violence against women still persists in a wide range of forms.
Violence against women and girls — with its severe impact on their physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being — is one of the most widespread abuses of human rights.
Abusive practices against them have been, and are still being, justified in the context of cultural norms, religious beliefs and unfounded scientific theories and assumptions.
It is the Bahá’í view that, there is need for a commitment to the establishment of full equality between men and women in the family, work place and in society, for the success of efforts to eradicate violence against women.
Ending such violence requires overcoming gender prejudice.
Recognition of our oneness, the oneness of human race, is the key to overcoming our prejudices — whether gender-based, racial or religious — that frequently lead to discrimination and violence.
“The principle of the oneness of humankind” in the Bahá’í view “lies at the heart of the exhortation that we should treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
“To establish justice, peace and order in an interdependent world, this principle must guide all interactions, including those between men and women. If the treatment of women were scrutinised in the light of this ethical standard, we would doubtless move beyond many traditional, religious and cultural practices.”
In search for solutions, it is essential to deal not only with the outward and legal aspects of the problem, but also with the inward dimension that concern the cultural, moral, and religious spheres of life.
Our efforts to combat gender violence should start by educating children both in school and at home with values that promote equality and justice. It is the responsibility of individuals and institutions to make sure that the younger generation is raised free from prejudice against women and girls.
According to a statement of the Bahá’í International Community, violence prevention strategies must include “cultivating in them (children) a sense of dignity as well as a responsibility for the well-being of their family, community, and the world”.
Achieving gender equality requires a shift in the mindset, values, outlook and conduct of both men and women.
For such a shift to be effective, it needs to take into account that individuals have a spiritual or moral dimension and that this dimension shapes their understanding of their life’s purpose, their responsibilities towards the family, the community and the world.
The Universal House of Justice, governing council of the Bahá’í International Community states: “. . . the equality of men and women is . . . a universal spiritual truth about an aspect of the nature of human beings . . It is, above all, a requirement of justice. This principle is consonant with the highest rectitude of conduct, its application strengthens family life, and it is essential to the regeneration and progress of any nation, the peace of the world, and the advancement of civilisation.”
New strategies to prevent gender-based violence, therefore, must include a profound adjustment in humanity’s outlook, guided by the spiritual principles, acceptance of equality of men and women and justice towards all.
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