ducation of male and female in order that womankind may develop equal
capacity and importance with man in the social and economic equation. Then
the world will attain unity and harmony. In past ages humanity has been
defective and inefficient because it has been incomplete. War and its
ravages have blighted the world; the education of woman will be a mighty
step toward its abolition and ending, for she will use her whole influence
against war. Woman rears the child and educates the youth to maturity. She
will refuse to give her sons for sacrifice upon the field of battle. In
truth, she will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and
international arbitration. Assuredly, woman will abolish warfare among
mankind....

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 108) [79]

80: Again, it is well established in history that where woman has not...

Again, it is well established in history that where woman has not
participated in human affairs the outcomes have never attained a state of
completion and perfection. On the other hand, every influential
undertaking of the human world wherein woman has been a participant has
attained importance. This is historically true and beyond disproof even in
religion. Jesus Christ had twelve disciples and among His followers a
woman known as Mary Magdalene. Judas Iscariot had become a traitor and
hypocrite, and after the crucifixion the remaining eleven disciples were
wavering and undecided. It is certain from the evidence of the Gospels
that the one who comforted them and reestablished their faith was Mary
Magdalene.

...

The most momentous question of this day is international peace and
arbitration, and universal peace is impossible without universal
suffrage....

("The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by 'Abdu'l-Baha
during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", p. 134) [80]

81: Question: Is it not a fact that universal peace cannot be
accomplished...

Question: Is it not a fact that universal peace cannot be accomplished
until there is political democracy in all the countries of the world?

Answer: It is very evident that in the future there shall be no
centralization in the countries of the world, be they constitutional in
government, republican or democratic in form. The United States may be
held up as the example of future governm