ssia seemed hopeless, she took her jewels and went before the
Turkish victor, presented them to him and pled the justice of her
country's cause with such convincing skill and diplomacy that peace was
declared.

Victoria, Queen of England, was really superior to all the kings of Europe
in ability, justness and equitable administration. During her long and
brilliant reign the British Empire was immensely extended and enriched,
due to her political sagacity, skill and foresight.

The history of religion, likewise, furnishes eloquent examples of woman's
capability under conditions of great difficulty and necessity. The
conquest of the Holy Land by the Israelites after forty years' wandering
in the desert and wilderness of Judea was accomplished through the
strategy and cunning of a woman.

After the martyrdom of Christ, to Whom be glory, the disciples were
greatly disturbed and disheartened. Even Peter had denied Christ and tried
to shun Him. It was a woman, Mary Magdalene, who confirmed the wavering
disciples in their faith, saying, "Was it the body of Christ or the
reality of Christ that ye have seen crucified? Surely it was His body. His
reality is everlasting and eternal; it hath neither beginning nor ending.
Therefore, why are ye perplexed and discouraged? Christ always spoke of
His being crucified." Mary Magdalene was a mere villager, a peasant woman;
yet she became the means of consolation and confirmation to the disciples
of Christ.

In the Cause of Baha'u'llah there have been women who were superior to men
in illumination, intellect, divine virtues and devotion to God. Among them
was Qurratu'l-'Ayn. When she spoke, she was listened to reverently by the
most learned men. They were most respectful in her presence, and none
dared to contradict her. Among the Baha'i women in Persia today there are
Ruhu'llah and others who are gifted with knowledge, invincible
steadfastness, courage, virtue and power of will. They are superior to men
and well-known throughout Persia.

Briefly, history furnishes evidence that during the past centuries there
have been great women as well as great men; but in general, owing to lack
of educational advantages, women have been restricted and deprived of
opportunity to become fully qualified and representative of humankind.
When given the opportunity for acquiring education, they have shown equal
capacity with men. Some philosophers and writers have considered woman
naturally and by creat