Aug 3rd, 2007
Standing for Peace
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.`Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í writings
These words were, to my amazement and delight, quoted at the end of the maiden speech of incoming president of Soroptimist International Margaret Lobo to an audience of about 1500 women from 136 countries.
Soroptimist International President Margaret Lobo
Margaret’s theme was peace and women and she drew the connection - familiar to Bahá’ís - between the advancement of women, the fact that they are the mothers and would never wish to see their children die in war, and their role in establishing peace. The words of `Abdu’l-Bahá were shown on her power point presentation and received a warm round of applause. Her powerful speech was the penultimate event of the last day of this stunning conference.
The theme of the whole day was `Purpose to Peace’. Ramu Damodaran of the Public Information Service at the United Nations described the UN as HAGGIS: honesty, anger (at injustice), governance, guidance, involvement, sustainability. Author of Rage and co-chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition Simon Conway’s impassioned plea to stop the use of cluster bombs, which can stay active on the ground for 30 years, roused everyone. And Jain peace campaigner Satish Kumar’s words and prayers for peace prepared the conference for the final event: Women Stand for Peace.
At the end of the conference, all 1500 attendees wore white and gathered outside the conference centre for a 30-minute vigil of prayers, poems and statements of peace, including the Soroptimist message of peace for the world:
We are women standing for women
We come from many different lands, we are different colours, creeds and races and together we celebrate our diversity . . .
We hope for a world where tolerance, reconciliation, cooperation and partnership will be realities.
We pledge to work for a world where
* the human rights of all people are respected
* equal opportunities are available to women . . .
* education is accessible to all girls
* poverty and disease are conquered
* all peoples enjoy a safe and healthy environment
* we will all contribute to the peace and prosperity of humankind bu nurturing a spirit of peace, encouraging peace education and supporting a culture of peace.
Peace is our unifying purpose.
Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Soroptimist International, peace, United Nations
Dear Wendy,
I must thank you for your very pertinent and eloquent reporting from this stellar and positive event.
It further reminds me of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prediction that “In truth, [woman] will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration.” A fact that is becoming increasingly clear in the world today, not but least through events such as this!
Sincerely,
Alex