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[Bahá'u'lláh]
has declared that in the estimation of God there is no distinction of
sex. The one whose heart is most pure, whose deeds and service in the
Cause of God are greater and nobler, is most acceptable before the divine
threshold - whether male or female. In the vegetable and animal kingdoms
sex exists in perfect equality and without distinction or invidious estimate.
The animal, although inferior to man in intelligence and reason, recognizes
sex equality. Why should man, who is endowed with the sense of justice
and sensibilities of conscience, be willing that one of the members of
the human family should be rated and considered as subordinate? Such differentiation
is neither intelligent nor conscientious; therefore, the principle of
religion has been revealed by Bahá'u'lláh that woman must
be given the privilege of equal education with man and full right to his
prerogatives. That is to say, there must be no difference in the education
of male and female in order that womankind may develop equal capacity
and importance with man in the social and economic equation.
Bahji. 
Then the world will
attain unity and harmony. In past ages humanity has been defective and
inefficient because it has been incomplete. War and its ravages have blighted
the world; the education of woman will be a mighty step toward its abolition
and ending, for she will use her whole influence against war. Woman rears
the child and educates the youth to maturity. She will refuse to give
her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In truth, she will be
the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international
arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among mankind. Inasmuch
as human society consists of two parts, the male and female, each the
complement of the other, the happiness and stability of humanity cannot
be assured unless both are perfected. Therefore, the standard and status
of man and woman must become equalized.
('Abdu'l-Bahá:
Promulgation of Universal Peace, Page: 108)
    
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The centerpiece Hasan M. Balyuzi Memorial Lecture this year was delivered by Janet Khan, who has served in the Research Department at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel, since 1983.
Dr. Khan's lecture focused on the life of Bahiyyih Khanum, the daughter of Baha'u'llah. It examined her role as a Baha'i leader in the early part of the 20th century and how that role reflects distinctive Baha'i concepts of rank and station.
Bahiyyih Khanum possessed a unique combination of humility, intellect, sacrifice, and wisdom, Dr. Khan observed. These qualities, coupled with her lineage, gave her a high rank and station in the Faith - and yet one that she did not overstep in any undue assertion of authority.
"Bahiyyih Khanum possessed an unaffected simplicity of manner and accessibility that made her available to all," said Dr. Khan, adding that she did not take advantage of her high rank to impose her will upon others.
Read the entire story.
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