InConversation

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — In the latest podcast episode of “In Conversation,” Maina Mkandawire from Malawi and Sokuntheary Reth from Cambodia—members of the Boards of Counsellors in Africa and Asia respectively—explore how some communities are addressing elements of culture that impede women in their pursuit of education and fuller participation in the life of society.

In many societies, they explain, traditional customs tend to prioritize boys’ education, severely impacting the intellectual development of girls and restricting their opportunities to advance in other aspects of their lives.

Ms. Reth states: “Some families give more priority to educate the son because as a man, he will financially support the family. Many expect that the girl, when she grows up, will… just stay home.”

Mrs. Mkandawire explains that in some cases, the possibility of girls pursuing an education is significantly curtailed by certain customs. In some places, she says, “a child is expected to get married at the age of 13.”

The conversation highlights how Bahá’í moral and spiritual educational programs are enabling participants to examine common attitudes toward women and surface hidden assumptions that diminish the important part they play in contributing to social progress.

Mrs. Mkandawire explains that the mothers’ thirst for learning grows as they see their children, particularly their daughters, advance intellectually through their participation in Bahá’í educational programs.

Ms. Reth notes that these conversations have cultivated in men a deeper understanding of the principle of equality of women and men, leading to greater support for women’s education.

Mrs. Mkandawire observes that as this principle takes root in family and collective settings, women are now “able to talk confidently… and consult with men.”

The podcast episode is part of the “In Conversation” series, a collective exploration by several individuals of the practical application of Bahá’í principles toward building of peaceful societies.