Tag: International Women's Day

Break the Bias

Daffodils announce Spring. Photo sent by my friend Becs.

International Women’s Day
Spring always brings an opportunity to renew our thoughts and actions as we grow in aspirations and new ways of thinking about our approach to life. So this photo became, for me, a symbol of what is at the heart of what the International Women’s Day is seeking to achieve.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias – a push towards a gender equal world that is free of bias, discrimination and stereotypes against women.
The quest to achieve this involves inspiring inclusion which those organizing today explain in this way.
To inspire inclusion means to celebrate diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day 2024 and beyond.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.
In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.

The Church of England’s Mothers’ Union, founded in the 19th Century has consistently worked for these aims and does so now on a global scale. There are branches in many countries of the world, active in encouraging the empowerment of women often in difficult and hostile circumstances.
They have suggested that we make this time a moment to pause, contemplate and renew our commitment to advancing gender equality. To this end they offer this prayer below.
Spring Sunrise. Primroses photographed by
Gill Henwood

Embrace Equality

Official IWD Poster

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

A PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Lord, make me an instrument of peace:

Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts.
Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love:

We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities.
Help us to see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.

Where there is injury, pardon:

Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse.
Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.

Where there is division, unity:

Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination.
Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.

Where there is darkness, light; where there is untruth, truth:

Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness.
May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.

Where there is doubt, true faith:

We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives.
Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.

Where there is despair, hope:

We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse.
May the light of your love bring them hope.

Where there is sadness, new joy:

Help us to see the strength and goodness in all women and men.
Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people.

Amen

Source: www.godpsacelight.com

BBC / Getty images