Complementarity of the sexes
Women and men are the complement of the other[edit]
"The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other."
Biological differences between the sexes are an aspect of complementarity[edit]
"The obvious biological differences between the sexes need not be a cause for inequality or disunity. Rather, they are an aspect of complementarity. If the role of women as mothers is properly valued, their work in nurturing and educating children will be respected and properly rewarded. It should also be acknowledged that the child-bearing role does not diminish one's aptitude for leadership, or undermine one's intellectual, scientific or creative capacity. Indeed, it may be an enhancement."
Differences between the sexes are a natural assertion of necessity of women and men to work together for advancing civilization[edit]
"We believe progress on a few critical fronts would have the greatest impact on the advancement of women. We share the following perspectives which are foundational to the recommendations which follow..."
"Fourth, the global dialogue on the role of men and women must promote recognition of the intrinsic complementarity of the two sexes. For the differences between them are a natural assertion of the necessity of women and men to work together to bring to fruition their potentialities for advancing civilization, no less than for perpetuating the human race. Such differences are inherent in the interactive character of their common humanity. This dialogue needs to consider the historical forces which have led to the oppression of women and examine the new social, political and spiritual realities which are today transforming our civilization."
With divorced parents, children are deprived of the blessing of a father and mother in one home to look after their interests and love them jointly[edit]
"He feels that you should by all means make every effort to hold your marriage together, especially for the sake of your children, who, like all children of divorced parents, cannot but suffer from conflicting loyalties, for they are deprived of the blessing of a father and mother in one home, to look after their interests and love them jointly."
- (In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 6 March 1953 to an individual believer, in Family Life (compilation), no. 81)
