In the Katuyola village in Zambia, a local Bahá’í institution organized a two-day gathering to explore questions related to the role of women, engaging some 120 women of various faith backgrounds. Participants expressed how moved they were by the support of the male members of the institution organizing the gathering, who tended to logistical arrangements such as cooking and serving food so that the female members of the institution could fully participate in the gathering. This level of support was described by many participants as unique within the historical context of their society.
As they came together to reflect on passages from the Bahá’í teachings on the station of women as well as women’s critical role in the education of children in the village and more broadly in fostering a peaceful society, participants discussed how such dialogue is critical in providing women with an opportunity to reflect on some of the barriers to their full engagement in society. One such barrier that was discussed was a lack of educational opportunities for women caused by financial constraints and outworn beliefs that prioritize the education of boys over girls. Such a cycle has also prevented many women from being able to support their children in their learning. Limited secondary school access in the village has also hindered large numbers of children from focusing on their education. Many, for instance, have to leave their homes to attend school elsewhere, and end up working to earn money for food instead of attending classes, or drop out of school because of early marriages or pregnancies. In the latter instances, girls are often ashamed to return to school or become preoccupied with household responsibilities. Many parents feel unable to support their children in navigating these challenges because they are far away.
“...the greatness of this wondrous Age will be manifested as a result of progress in the world of women.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
A central question emerged amidst the deliberations: how can women fully support the spiritual and intellectual education of their children when they do not receive adequate opportunities of their own? Furthermore, how can they be empowered to respond to these aspirations, and what adjustments in the structure and functioning of the village are required?
The space allowed the women to reflect on these questions and to explore possible responses. A number of community members in the gathering volunteered to offer support. Professional teachers, for instance, decided to initiate literacy classes for women. Some offered to assist women to start their own backyard gardens as well as a savings bank so that they can generate their own income. Other opportunities to support families in the education of their children were found in some of the programs carried out by the Bahá’í community, such as the community schools, moral education classes for children, and junior youth groups for young adolescents.
This gathering, far from being an isolated event, was connected to an ongoing process of consultation and collaboration within the village—engaging traditional leaders, Bahá’í agencies involved in promoting spiritual and material education in the village, parents, youth, and children—to explore broader questions related to the needs of the community. These conversations have resulted in the decision to establish a center of learning in the village where many classes and activities for all ages can take place, including academic tutoring for those in secondary school. This would alleviate the need for many youth to leave their village for secondary schooling and assist them in channeling their energies toward addressing the needs of their own community.
A few reflections from the women in the community:
"My hope is that both women and men advance in their knowledge about the role of women in society. With a better understanding about the importance of education, the community will make sure that their children attain both spiritual and material education in order for us to witness social transformation."
"The best way to educate our children is by being an example to them… Women need to uplift themselves in order to be equal to men. We have learned that women and men are like the wings of a bird; for the bird to fly, both wings need to be strong."
"We all need to work together to follow up on the development of each child in the village...Teachers and parents will need to collaborate to ensure their children receive both spiritual and material education. This will assist in laying a strong foundation for the future growth of their children who will in turn contribute to the progress of their community."
"This gathering has helped me to see the power of a united people even if they come from various religious backgrounds."