Every March, International Women’s Day calls the world’s attention to the contributions, struggles, and resilience of women across cultures. While many celebrate it as a day of progress, few pause to reflect on its deeper significance. What does it mean to honour women?
International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th-century labour movements. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. The movement gained momentum when, in 1910, a German activist, Clara Zetkin, proposed an international day to honour women’s struggles. By 1911, over a million people across Europe marked the first Women’s Day.
The movement was deeply tied to justice—seeking dignity, fair wages, and equal opportunity for women. Over time, Women’s Day moved beyond political and economic struggles to celebrate women’s achievements in all spheres.
Culture has always had a complex relationship with women. Some traditions have honoured women as nurturers and caregivers, while others have silenced and sidelined them. Across history, patriarchal structures have often determined a woman’s worth by her ability to serve others rather than as a person of value in her own right.
From the very beginning, Genesis tells us that both man and woman were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The creation story doesn’t paint woman as an afterthought but as a necessary and equal part of God’s design. The Hebrew word for “helper” used for Eve (ezer kenegdo) is the same term used to describe God Himself as a strong help in times of need (Psalm 33:20).
Yet, as sin entered the world, the beauty of this equality was distorted. Many cultures adopted structures where women were seen as property.
So, what does this mean for men today? If we are to follow the Bible, we must see women not through the lens of power or culture but through the lens of God’s image.
- Honour Women as Equals – Women are not second-class citizens in God’s Kingdom. Men must challenge societal norms that diminish or silence women.
- Encourage and Celebrate Women’s Gifts – The Bible is full of women using their God-given gifts in various ways—Deborah as a judge, Esther as a courageous queen, and Priscilla as a teacher. From acts of compassion to spiritual mentorship, women have deeply shaped families, communities, and the church.
- Reject Cultural Biases – Many cultures still impose unnecessary restrictions on women. Men should be the first to reject harmful traditions and stand up for what is right.
- Lead in Love, Not Control – Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives “as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Biblical leadership is about serving, not dominating.
- Speak Up for Justice – Whether it’s equal pay, education, or safety from abuse, Christian men should not be silent when women are mistreated. International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating women—it’s about reflecting on how we, as a society and as believers, treat them.
