Concerning your questions about the equality of men and
women, this, as 'Abdu'l-Bahá has often explained, is a fundamental principle of
Bahá'u'lláh; therefore the Laws of the "Aqdas" should be studied in
the light of it. Equality between men and women does not, indeed
physiologically it cannot, mean identity of functions. In some things women
excel men, for others men are better fitted than women, while in very many
things the difference of sex is of no effect at all. The differences of
function are most apparent in family life. The capacity for motherhood has many
far-reaching implications which are recognized in Bahá'í Law. For example, when
it is not possible to educate all one's children, daughters receive preference
over sons, as mothers are the first educators of the next generation. Again,
for physiological reasons, women are granted certain exemptions from fasting
that are not applicable to men.
(The Universal House of Justice, from a letter
dated 24 July 1975 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations,
vol. II, Women)
