o parts
of the social body, must be perfect. It is not natural that either should
remain undeveloped; and until both are perfected, the happiness of the
human world will not be realized.

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 134) [16]

17: The status of woman in former times was exceedingly deplorable, for it
was...

The status of woman in former times was exceedingly deplorable, for it was
the belief of the Orient that it was best for woman to be ignorant. It was
considered preferable that she should not know reading or writing in order
that she might not be informed of events in the world. Woman was
considered to be created for rearing children and attending to the duties
of the household. If she pursued educational courses, it was deemed
contrary to chastity; hence women were made prisoners of the household.
The houses did not even have windows opening upon the outside world.
Baha'u'llah destroyed these ideas and proclaimed the equality of man and
woman. He made woman respected by commanding that all women be educated,
that there be no difference in the education of the two sexes and that man
and woman share the same rights. In the estimation of God there is no
distinction of sex. One whose thought is pure, whose education is
superior, whose scientific attainments are greater, whose deeds of
philanthropy excel, be that one man or woman, white or colored, is
entitled to full rights and recognition; there is no differentiation
whatsoever....

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 166) [17]

18: Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her need of
equal...

Woman's lack of progress and proficiency has been due to her need of equal
education and opportunity. Had she been allowed this equality, there is no
doubt she would be the counterpart of man in ability and capacity. The
happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and
advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other.

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 182) [18]

19: He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is peculiar to
the...

He establishes the equality of man and woman. This is pec