Celebrating Women Everyday

(National Women's Day is celebrated this Sunday 9th August)

While Women's Day can be used to celebrate the many gifts that women offer us, it is primarily an opportunity to remind ourselves that much still needs to be done to create a society in which women enjoy equal rights. The struggle for the equality of women may have made some important steps forward, but the old attitudes and beliefs about a women's place - in the home, in the workplace, in society and in the church - are still deeply imbedded. One man recently argued that because Jesus' 12 disciples were all male, that only men should be allowed to preach... I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

I found it very interesting to discover that research shows the single biggest factor in changing the attitudes of men regarding the equality of women in the workplace was a change in the use of LANGUAGE. As long as we continue to speak in ways that prioritise men over women, the longer it will take to establish a society in which men and women are equal. I believe that the church should be at the forefront of sensitivity with respect to how we speak! After all, we are people of "The Word", so language is our thing!

Women also need to be given OPPORTUNITY. Just as Brian Habana needed an opportunity to show off his speed and talent, so many women are waiting for an opportunity to show what they are able to offer. Many people are against having a women minister, but many of them have never actually expereinced a woman minister! Once a community overcomes their prejudice and resistance to change, they find that woman ministers are just ministers...

Some in the church are reluctant to give women an opportunity to serve in leadership positions. But St John's has shown how valuable and important it is to have women in leadership alongside men. Again, once we experience women in leadership, we find our arguments pale into insiginificance and our prejudice fades...

Finally, women deserve dignity. And along with that comes SAFETY. They need to live in a safe environment where their potential can be expressed without fear. Too many reports converning threats against women have emerged. It is now a national crisis and the responsibility of every citizen of our country to work towards a society in which all people are safe and free.

Celebrate today - and every day - that God has created women to fully express God's Own Image for us to share in and enjoy!