As we celebrate Mother's Day this weekend, the writer explores the profound impact of mothers on education and the importance of empowering women for the betterment of society.
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Mother’s Day, on Sunday, 10 May, is a reminder of the important role our mothers play as our first educators – nurturing and guiding us from the very first moments of our lives.
Of course, both parents share in the overall responsibility of educating their children. However, the mother is given recognition as the first educator of the child.
Regarding the role of mothers in the education and training of their children, 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”, and “If the mother is educated then her children will be well taught. When the mother is wise, then will the children be led into the path of wisdom. If the mother be religious she will show her children how they should love God. If the mother is moral she guides her little ones into the ways of uprightness”.
While our children acquire academic knowledge at school, it is within the home that their character is shaped, and their moral and spiritual attitudes are formed. It is within their home that they begin to learn values such as tolerance, compassion, trustworthiness, and social responsibility.
Therefore, our daughters need to be prepared to become good educators and mentors. Of course, education and empowerment of women and girls is vital not only because they are the first educators, but also for the well-being and advancement of our communities.
“The advancement of civilization”, according to a statement of the Bahá'í International Community, “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 characterized by such compassion, vigour and scope has never been seen in history”.
The way must be open for girls to enter equally all spheres of human endeavour, including the sciences, arts, commerce and industry, and affairs of state. There is no natural limit on women and girl's abilities.
Mothers can be agents for change by empowering the new generation to transform society. They can instil in their children self-esteem, respect for others, and love for humanity: essential for building peaceful communities.
In the Bahá’í view, the acceptance of the equality of women and men, and the full and equal participation of women in all spheres of life are essential in the abolition of war, and the establishment of a united world.
The Bahá’í Writings state: “…when perfect equality shall be established between men and women, peace may be realized for the simple reason that womankind in general will never favour warfare. Women will not be willing to allow those whom they have so tenderly cared for to go to the battlefield” and “when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world ... war will cease”.
* For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100. Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Pretoria News, IOL or Independent Media.