A mother’s role in transforming society
Mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and truly it is the mothers who determine the happiness, the future greatness, the courteous ways and learning and judgement, the understanding and the faith of their little ones.
Mothers can be the primary agents for empowering individuals to transform society.
As we celebrated the National Women’s Day, on 9 August, it is opportune to reflect on the important role our mothers play as the first educators – a role that begins from the child’s infancy. Although both parents share in the overall responsibility of educating their children, the mother is given recognition as the first educator of the child.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “Mothers are the first educators, the first mentors; and truly it is the mothers who determine the happiness, the future greatness, the courteous ways and learning and judgement, the understanding and the faith of their little ones.”
We, therefore, need to prepare our daughters to be good educators and mentors. The well-being of mankind depends on the development of the potential virtues and abilities of every individual whether a girl or a boy. Education and empowerment of women, in the Bahá’í view, is vital not only because they are first educators, but also for the well-being and advancement of our communities.
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Despite positive efforts in the last few decades to ensure equal education and other rights and opportunities for girls and women, however, various forms of discrimination against them still persist. In many cultures, girls have a lower status and enjoy fewer rights and opportunities than boys – both in their families and society. Even in terms of schooling boys get preference to girls.
Education, the Bahá’í Writings state, must be provided for all. Girls must be given equal opportunity to education. Moreover, as the first educator of children, the mother must be carefully prepared for this task. It is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society.
According to the Bahá’í Writings: “… men and women are equal in the sight of God … there is no distinction to be made between them. The only difference between them now is due to lack of education and training. If women are given equal opportunity of education, distinction and estimate of inferiority will disappear.”
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The Bahá’í vision of gender equality rests on the central spiritual principle of “the oneness of humanity”. In the context of the oneness of humanity, gender equality is not only a requirement of justice, but it is a pre-requisite for peace and prosperity. Mothers can instil in their children the self-esteem and respect for others that is essential for the advancement of civilisation.
“The advancement of civilisation”, in the Bahá’í view, “now requires the full participation of everyone, including women. Women must, therefore, be educated, not only for the service they render to humanity as the first educators of children, but ultimately, for the special contributions women must make to the creation of a just world order, an order characterised by such compassion, vigour and scope has never been seen in history.”
For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za or call 083-794-0819.
Website: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
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