ent--that is to say, each province
will be independent in itself, but there will be federal union protecting
the interests of the various independent states. It may not be a
republican or a democratic form. To cast aside centralization which
promotes despotism is the exigency of the time. This will be productive of
international peace. Another fact of equal importance in bringing about
international peace is woman's suffrage. That is to say, when perfect
equality shall be established between men and women, peace may be realized
for the simple reason that womankind in general will never favor warfare.
Women will not be willing to allow those whom they have so tenderly cared
for to go to the battlefield. When they shall have a vote, they will
oppose any cause of warfare. Another factor which will bring about
universal peace is the linking together of the Orient and the Occident.

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 167) [81]

82: When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and
the...

When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the
equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be
utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all
differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife. Equality
between men and women is conducive to the abolition of warfare for the
reason that women will never be willing to sanction it....

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 175) [82]

84: Woman must especially devote her energies and abilities toward the
industrial...

Woman must especially devote her energies and abilities toward the
industrial and agricultural sciences, seeking to assist mankind in that
which is most needful. By this means she will demonstrate capability and
ensure recognition of equality in the social and economic equation....

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 283) [84]

85: Therefore, strive to show in the human world that women are most
capable...

Therefore, strive to show in the human world that women are most capable
and efficient, that their hearts are more tender and susceptible than the
hearts of men,