‘Give to Gain’? Why this International Women’s Day slogan should trouble Christians

In this reflection on International Women’s Day, Jenny Sanders explores the tension between the global call to “Give to Gain” and the radically selfless model of giving found in Jesus’ Kingdom. As 8th March invites celebration and action, she challenges us to consider whether our generosity is transactional, or truly shaped by unconditional love.

International Women’s Day began in the early 1900s when women’s voices started to be heard advocating more vociferously for their rights, for suffrage and for protection in the market place. Women were demanding change. According to one charity, the day became a global opportunity for ‘recognizing [sic] the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while advocating for gender equality…a time to celebrate progress, raise awareness of ongoing challenges, and drive action toward a more inclusive world.’

Despite so much progress over the last one hundred years, there are still massive gaps in gender equality in terms of financial remuneration and access to services including education and health. Women still one have only 64% of the legal rights that men hold worldwide, which affects ‘fundamental areas of life, including work, money, safety, family, property, mobility, business, and retirement.’