The month of March has been a significant global focus on women. On 7 March, the Seventh-day Adventist Church observed International Women’s Ministries Day of Prayer under the theme ‘A Woman, Faith and Prayer’.
This was followed on 8 March by International Women’s Day, highlighting gender equality, the reaffirmation of rights, and a call for collective action. The United Nations (UN) then launched a 10-day campaign from 9-19 March entitled ‘Rights. Justice. Action’, alongside the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters in New York.
United Nations Speak Up for Women
Speakers stressed the need for stronger action to ensure women and girls can fully access justice and equal rights worldwide. ¹
“Globally, women hold just two-thirds of the same legal rights as men… laws that protect safety, freedom, and opportunity are biased against women and girls.” ²
“Not a single nation has achieved 100 per cent legal equality.”
If laws are made to protect what society values, what are we communicating when women and girls are not fully protected?
The Church, Justice, and Women
The British Union Conference (BUC) Safeguarding Summit (February 2025) highlighted concerns about how allegations – particularly involving women – are handled.
Questions remain about whether systems adequately protect women and whether their voices are heard with fairness and dignity.
A Wider Christian Reflection
A Songs of Praise International Women’s Day broadcast featured Dame Sarah Mullally reflecting on global inequality.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women, but also to remind ourselves that many still struggle.”
“My faith has inspired and enabled me to open doors for others… yet many do so in painful circumstances.” ³
A Reflection on Gender and Theology
In conversation with Pastor Sam Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director, a meaningful theological perspective was shared:
“In the tradition in which I grew up, we sometimes refer to God with the expression ‘His/Her Majesty’ - or simply ‘Her Majesty.’ It is a way of acknowledging the majesty and fullness of God beyond the limitations of human language.”
Within the understanding of the Ga people of Accra, Ghana, this expression reflects a deeper concept - that God transcends human gender categories. As such, God may be reverently referred to as His Majesty, Her Majesty, or both simultaneously, affirming the divine nature as greater than human constructs.
A Call to Action
The call remains clear: uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, listen with humility, and act with integrity.
Prayer
Dear Lord
Thank you that You are the epitome of justice.
Please forgive us where we have closed our eyes to the plight of women and the challenges they face.
Where women have suffered abuse, discrimination, and unfair treatment, bring restoration we pray.
May we learn to stand for the oppressed and marginalised.
Give us the grace to admit where we have failed and to seek to make amends.
We pray for healing for those wounded by injustice.
Show us how to protect the rights of all and act with wisdom.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
1LIVE: International Women’s Day and CSW70 at the United Nations | UN News
2https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/what-justice-means-to-women-and-how-to-deliver-it
3International Women’s Day: Archbishop of Canterbury reflects on her experience in C of E