The conversation is changing things, and even though we still have a long way to go, there have been great advances in education and health since 1995. It shows us that progress is possible, and that we can make a difference in this world.
5. Because, as the Church, we are called to be agents of social change.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1)
We are called to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, and to proclaim freedom to the captives. Fortunately, the equality of women has shown to influence greatly all of the above areas. When girls and women are educated, the whole economy boosts, making poverty less of a threat. If women are viewed as equals, the threat of violence towards them greatly decreases. And if women were educating they would be far less likely to enter into sex trafficking.
There are thousands of women still living in the bondage of sex trafficking, I’ve met them personally, and we, as the Church, are called to release them from their chains.
God has chosen his Church to be his agents of change, we are his hands and his feet. And if we are ignoring the threats that face women on a global scale, we aren’t doing a very good job.
6. Because of your mother, sister, friend, grandmother, girlfriend, wife, or daughter.
If none of the above reasons have persuaded you to take a stance for the equality of women on International Women’s Day, then perhaps this reason will. International Women’s Day matters because of your mother, sister, grandmother, girlfriend, friend, wife, or daughter and the better world it creates for them.
It’s a day that celebrates contributions that women have made around the world and strives to make it a place where women can continue to be valuable members of society. It promotes the education, safety, and equality of women that you know and love.
When you raise your voice in favor of a day that celebrates these things, envision your loved one’s face and realize that you are making the world a better place for her.
The theme of this year’s women’s day is “make it happen,” so let’s take it a step further than just talking about it and do something about it.
There are many ways you can get involved, you can share this article or share the story of a woman who impacted you. You can contribute to women’s education in Afghanistan, or to International Justice Mission who works tirelessly to abolish slavery for men and women. You can volunteer at a local women’s shelter or go global with programs like The World Race. I don’t care what you do, just do something.
The point is that we can make the world a better place for women, but it all starts with a conversation. That’s why Christians and really everyone should be talking about #womensday today.
So, Church, let’s get talking.
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This article originally appeared at PaintedOrange.org, published with permission.
