Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day reminds the world to honour women’s achievements and advocate for their equal rights. It’s a day of celebration and challenge, a moment to acknowledge the progress made and the work still to be done. But for those of us who follow Jesus, it’s also a moment to remember something powerful: long before there were movements and marches, Jesus was already elevating, honouring, and empowering women.
At a time when culture often overlooked or undervalued women, Jesus saw them. He paused for them. He healed them. He called them by name. When others questioned their worth, Jesus gently affirmed their value. When society ignored or pushed them aside, He drew near and invited them to engage and be heard.
Think of the woman at the well (John 4). Society labeled her by her past, but Jesus met her in the middle of her ordinary day and offered her living water. He saw beyond what others whispered about her and spoke to the thirst in her soul. That encounter changed everything—not just for her but for an entire town that came to know the Messiah because of her testimony.
Or consider Mary of Bethany (Luke 10). In a world where women were expected to stay in the background, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him—a place traditionally reserved for men. And Jesus defended her right to be there. “Mary has chosen what is better,” He said, making it clear that a woman’s desire to grow in faith and knowledge was something to be honoured, not hindered.
Then there were the women who followed Jesus to the cross. When most of His disciples scattered, they stayed. And on Resurrection morning, it was a woman—Mary Magdalene—who was the first to see the risen Jesus and carry the news to His followers (John 20:16-18).
… in Christ, women have always been deeply valued …
This is what we celebrate on International Women’s Day—not just human efforts toward equality but the truth that, in Christ, women have always been deeply valued. Jesus saw their strength, their faith, and their capacity to lead, love, and serve in His kingdom.
So today, as we advocate for justice and dignity for women around the world, let’s remember that we’re following in the footsteps of the One who saw women not as less than, but as His beloved daughters. And just as Jesus spoke truth, restored dignity, and unlocked calling in the lives of women 2,000 years ago, He is still doing the same today.
No matter where you are, no matter what you’ve been through—Jesus sees you, knows you, and calls you by name. And that is worth celebrating.