The equality of both sexes is therefore established as a basic right. The Bah ' writings also prescribe measures necessary to change individual attitudes and to redress social injustices. The spiritually-based Bah ' concept of equality directly addresses two of the major challenges to the establishment of the equality of men and women, namely the intransigence of attitudes and the absence of a social milieu supportive of change. In relation to attitudes, a number of important implications arise from a concept of equality founded on spiritual values. For example, for Bah ' s, practice of the equality of men and women is a religious precept, an aspect of spiritual development to be pursued by women and men alike in their daily lives.
Equality is thus both a virtue and a right.
Such authoritative statements of equality deriving from a divine source provide an unambiguous assurance of equality, an assurance which transcends self doubt and social barriers, and therefore has a profound effect on the individual's identity and sense of self worth. A further implication of a spiritually-based concept of equality is that the implementation of this precept is a religious obligation. Awareness of this responsibility serves to inspire and motivate both men and women to conform their behavior to this important principle and to establish equality as an accepted and rewarded social practice. Acting on this injunction, women are not only encouraged but enjoined to accept responsibility for their development, to seek education and refinement of character, to demonstrate their latent potential, to participate in the world at large, to be involved as decision-makers, and to exert effort toward universal peace. Since the rationale, and indeed the justification for action for both women and men is obedience to a universal spiritual principle, this framework for mutual support and cooperative efforts toward achievement of the goal of equality provides for the most complete development of men and women, and the enrichment of society.