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To accept and observe
a distinction which God has not intended in creation is ignorance and
superstition. The fact which is to be considered, however, is that woman,
having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities
with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their
education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully
established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is
not possible. Even granted that woman is inferior to man in some degree
of capacity or accomplishment, this or any other distinction would continue
to be productive of discord and trouble.
'Akká (Acre), Israel: House of 'Abdu'lláh Páshá. 
The only remedy is
education, opportunity; for equality means equal qualification. In brief,
the assumption of superiority by man will continue to be depressing to
the ambition of woman, as if her attainment to equality was creationally
impossible; woman's aspiration toward advancement will be checked by it,
and she will gradually become hopeless. On the contrary, we must declare
that her capacity is equal, even greater than man's. This will inspire
her with hope and ambition, and her susceptibilities for advancement will
continually increase. She must not be told and taught that she is weaker
and inferior in capacity and qualification. If a pupil is told that his
intelligence is less than his fellow pupils, it is a very great drawback
and handicap to his progress. He must be encouraged to advance by the
statement, "You are most capable, and if you endeavor, you will attain
the highest degree."
('Abdu'l-Bahá:
Promulgation of Universal Peace,
Pages: 76-77)
    
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More than 2,000 Baha'is in the Northeast United States gathered in Stamford, Connecticut. The conference was in response to a call from the Universal House of Justice to gather together to celebrate the feats already achieved during the current Five Year Plan and to deliberate on its current needs.
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