The role of men and boys in
achieving gender equality
Written Statement Prepared for
the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women at its 48th Session
Item 3a of the Provisional Agenda New York, U.S.A. 1-12
March 2004
The 1995 Beijing Platform of
Action underlined the indispensability of the contribution of men and boys
to achieving gender equality. Recent years have witnessed considerable
advances in women's attainment of political and civil rights, but the
implementation of full gender equality requires a profound shift in
individual values, outlook and conduct, which will ultimately transform
the underlying ethos of social institutions, making them more welcoming to
women.
The teachings of the Bahá'í Faith
offer a model of gender equality based on the concept of partnership
between the sexes and the active support of men and boys for the
achievement of equality. Three basic elements underpin the Bahá'í
approach:
- Bahá'ís are committed to an evolutionary social transformation of
fundamental values, even in regions of the world where cultural
traditions impose obstacles to women's development. Enduring change
comes through cooperative activity of men and women rather than through
confrontation. Hence, we call upon all members of society to encourage
and support women to develop their full potential and to strive for
their equality and human rights and we recognize that much more can be
accomplished in the long run if men and women work together. Within the
family, therefore, boys and girls alike are taught respect for all
females and within the Bahá'í community, programs are conducted to
educate men and boys concerning the status of women, and a variety of
practical measures are instituted to foster their involvement in
promoting gender equality as a shared community goal.
- The full development of men and boys is inextricably linked to the
advancement of women. A society characterized by gender equality serves
the interests of both sexes. It enables men and women to develop in a
more balanced and multifaceted way and to discard the rigid role
stereotypes so crucial to shifting family dynamics, and to accord women
full access to the world of work. It also enables both sexes to
recognize each others' needs, building an awareness vital to the
resolution of issues associated with women's health. It also enables the
replacement of unequal relationships and tendencies toward domination
and aggression with genuine partnerships between the sexes characterized
by collaboration and the sharing of resources and
decision-making.
- Bahá'ís view the advancement of women as an ongoing organic process
aligned with forces of social transformation and the movement towards
the recognition of the oneness of humanity. We recommend making a start,
however modest, by educating boys from the earliest stage of their
social development in initiatives along the lines of those outlined
above, and by engaging the support of men in this process, in order to
foster a more conscious awareness that the interests of men and boys are
linked to those of women.
- In light of the experience and contribution of the Bahá'í community
in 182 countries towards the implementation of these principles, Bahá'ís
remain optimistic about the achievement of gender equality and the
progressive involvement of men and boys in achieving this
goal.
BIC Document
#04-0312
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