‘There’s much that Christian women can do to live out the IWD theme. We must be advocates for vulnerable, disadvantaged women and those denied their rights. We must promote equality – reminding women that they are made in the image of God, that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and they have a part to play in God’s created world,’ says Marcia Dixon.
I have a confession to make. It’s only in the past few years that I have paid full attention to International Women’s Day. This is partly because, in my work within the church tradition I was part of, IWD was not given much attention or celebrated. In addition, I have always, through my work, and my Christian witness, sought to support, celebrate and showcase the achievements of women. And due to my cultural and spiritual heritage, I feel impelled to support women.
I am the daughter of a great mother, I have wonderful female friends and my first pastor, Rev Dr Io Smith, was a pioneering Windrush Generation Pentecostal pastor.
I am the daughter of a great mother, I have wonderful female friends and my first pastor, Rev Dr Io Smith, was a pioneering Windrush Generation Pentecostal pastor. Even though she died several years ago, she remains renowned and revered for her dynamic preaching, her love others, her advocacy for those who needed help, her willingness to mentor others and also as an ecumenist, who forged relationships with Christians from other church traditions.
READ MORE: This International Women’s Day we celebrate the women who have inspired and influenced our lives
She left an inedible mark, and her ministry has provided many, including myself, with a template to emulate.
I’m thankful that many of the women I know and meet, invertedly practise the ideals of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: ‘For All women and girls: Rights. Equality and Empowerment.”
As a woman of faith I take the scripture ‘All things are possible,” to heart. I know that when human effort and endeavour fails, and I’m denied my rights, I have an ally, advocate and miracle worker in the God I serve. However, recognising that not everyone has faith, and that in many parts of the world women have little or no rights, there are numerous actions Christian women can undertake to live out the IWD theme.
It’s comforting to know we serve a God that sees value and worth in men and women
It’s comforting to know we serve a God that sees value and worth in men and women and whether it is enshrined in law or not, women are equal to men, should be respected and not be ill-treated because of their gender and are capable of playing an active role in in wider society.
READ MORE: Amy Halls urges us to stand with girls around the world this International Day of the Girl Child
Deborah, the only female judge featured in the book of judges demonstrates that even in the Bible women occupied public roles of great responsibility, were able to gain the respect of everyone – including men - and possessed the qualities to lead a nation. If it wasn’t for the fall, women would be working and leading alongside men and would not be consigned to the proverbial kitchen!
Queen Esther, one of two women that have a book named after them in scripture, highlights the importance of male allyship, alongside courage and faith. It was because of the support and encouragement of Mordecai that Esther was able to take the necessary action to save herself and the Jewish people from the destruction being planned by Haman.
READ MORE: ‘My ex-husband bit off my nose, cut off my ear and carved up my face like a cabbage in an attempt to slit my throat’
It’s important to recognise men have a role to play in supporting women to achieve IWD aims. Many of the advances women have made since the 20th century are due to men listening to women’s concerns and passing the necessary legislature to enshrine their demands in law. Men are not the enemy. Inaccurate and ungodly attitudes towards women are. Furthermore, women’s lives are deeply connected to men as they are our husbands, fathers, sons, nephews, cousins, work colleagues, pastors…need I go on. We’ve got to learn to get along.
There’s much that Christian women can do to live out the IWD theme. We must be advocates for vulnerable, disadvantaged women and those denied their rights. We must promote equality – reminding women that they are made in the image of God, that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and they have a part to play in God’s created world. We must empower women to dream and believe that all things are possible and that they live purposeful lives.
One thing that I am pleased about, is that I have, in my own small way tried to do the above – whether through highlighting issues of concern like domestic violence through my writings or turning a spotlight on the lives of vulnerable women in other parts of the world. I have put on events that have equip women with the spiritual insights, soft skills or information that will help them to deepen their relationship with the Lord, and/or help them to excel in their chose roles – whether as a professional or spiritual leader and personally mentored and encouraged hundreds of women – all to the glory of God.
Our lives as women are meant to be channels of blessing. Let’s use IWD as another opportunity to be a blessing to women near and far.
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