Editor, The Beacon:
Thank you, Dr. Asal Johnson, for your commentary in The Beacon on the massive protests calling for women’s rights in Iran.
The story of your brush with potential violence for the alleged improper wearing of your hijab, similar to the threat that led to the death of a young woman in Iran, puts a Volusia County face on a story and an issue that might otherwise be dismissed as just more bad news from a hostile Islamic country.
We were glad to read your comment that “this is the first time that a movement is primarily led by women where men, especially younger men, are following the lead of women.”
It is thrilling to see young men walking in the footsteps of their sisters and mothers, supporting women as they demand their rightful place
in Iran’s patriarchal society.
As one who grew up in Iran, you probably are aware that the Bahá’í Faith, founded in Iran in the mid-19th century by Bahá’u’lláh, was a leader in that country in promoting education and literacy for women. One of the principal teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is the equality of men and women.
Our scriptures say, “The world of humanity has two wings — one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition of virtues and perfections, can success and
prosperity be attained as they ought to be.”
As Bahá’ís in DeLand, we assure you that Bahá’ís throughout the world are watching and praying for the protesters in Iran, and are promoting and practicing equality of women and men wherever we live.
Tom Armistead and Gail Radley
DeLand

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here