Why celebrate International Women’s Day? Why mark it at all? Women are only 52% of the global population after all. Well - women perform 66% of the world's work and produce 50% of the food, yet earn only 10% of the income and own just 1% of the property. Caring for elders, children and doing unpaid household work is predominantly done by women and in Australia alone the monetary value of unpaid care work is estimated to be $650 billion, the equivalent to 50.6% of our GDP. In other words – we haven’t reached equity yet. And that is just in Australia.
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global occasion to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and to advocate for the rights and empowerment of women and girls. This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This theme underscores the urgent need to ensure that women and girls worldwide have equal access to opportunities, safety, and support systems that enable them to thrive.
Despite strides toward equality over the decades, many challenges remain, and not just work inequality. In Australia, one woman loses her life to domestic violence every 11 days—a harrowing reminder of the persistent epidemic of gender-based violence. That is unacceptable and we should be screaming about it. On a global scale, the situation is even more alarming, with 26% of women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. This violence not only endangers lives but also perpetuates cycles of fear, inequality, and disempowerment.
Some of us have it good – we are safe, we have fulfilling equitable relationships, and we earn what we deserve. We are the ones who can fight for those who don’t. When Jesus said (Matthew 25:40), “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” this is what he is talking about, looking after those who are unable to look after themselves. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is on the front lines of this initiative with projects at home and abroad that empower and keep women safe. The UN’s theme reminds us that the fight for gender equality must be inclusive, ensuring that the voices of all women and girls—across diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and socio-economic circumstances—are heard and respected. On this International Women’s Day, let us recommit to building a world where these sisters of ours can live free from violence, achieve financial independence, and fully realise their rights. Rights. Equality. Empowerment. These are not just aspirations; they are essential for a society that reflects the love that Jesus proposed.