International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a time when justice systems are under strain; conflict, repression, and political tensions are weakening the rule of law.
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Introduction: International Women’s Day 2026 comes at a time when justice systems are under strain. Conflict, repression, and political tensions are weakening the rule of law. The day reminds us a lesson that we have long since learned but have not yet sufficiently put into practice…that the basic rights and dignity of women and girls should be accorded the same respect as that given to men and boys. The theme of the occasion for this year “Give to Gain”, reminds us that what we willingly give to women -- knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, respect, opportunity, protection, recognition or time, contributing to women's advancement -- helps create a more supportive and interconnected world. When we give, we gain. Together, let's help forge gender equality through abundant giving. When we give dignity, we gain a fairer and more humane world. When we give equality, we gain shared progress.
Respecting Women: Respect is the priceless ornament one can offer to women by valuing their presence and securing their rights to life, education, employment, decision-making, socio-economic independence, and equal sharing of responsibilities. True respect is expressed by building an environment in which girls can aspire boldly without fear, women can pursue their professions free from harassment or discrimination, and motherhood is recognised, supported, and honoured rather than silently assumed or undervalued. True respect means supporting women’s freedom to choose and fundamentally seeing them as equals, not merely for what they can offer to others. It begins with accepting them in all aspects of their humanity-body, mind, and spirit. Respect is expressed not only in words but in attitudes, policies, and daily interactions. Creating social conditions where women can live freely and responsibly without discrimination is an essential expression of respect. It means ensuring that laws protecting women from violence are effectively implemented and that victims are supported with compassion and justice.
True respect also requires transforming mind-sets. Prejudices that portray women as inferior, weak, or secondary must be challenged in homes, schools, and the media. Stereotypes that confine women to narrow roles restrict their growth and deprive society of their gifts. When women are allowed to thrive in full appreciation of their dignity, society experiences holistic development. Women need more than rhetoric condemning discrimination. They need concrete actions-social protections, equitable opportunities, safe work environments, maternity benefits, and flexible structures that allow them to balance professional and family responsibilities without sacrificing their femininity. An effective and intelligent campaign for the promotion of women must concentrate on every area of women’s life-physical safety, emotional well-being, spiritual growth, intellectual development, and economic empowerment. It begins with universal recognition of their dignity and extends to consistent public commitment to uphold it.
Give to Gain: The theme promotes a giving and team-oriented culture and highlights the importance of support and reciprocity. Opportunities and support for women rise when individuals, groups, and communities contribute liberally. The theme highlights the power of reciprocity: when individuals, organisations and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive. Giving is not a loss-it is intentional multiplication. When women have access to health and rights, the benefits extend far beyond individuals, families are healthier, health systems are stronger, economies grow and societies become more just and sustainable. Be it through financial support, sharing expertise, offering resources or infrastructure, amplifying voices, advocating for change, or providing education, training and mentorship, every effort towards advancing women’s empowerment helps build a more inclusive, supportive and connected world.
For centuries, women have been suppressed across cultures and continents, often denied education, property rights, and participation in public life. In our country, too, though significance progress has been made, many women continue to face violence, discrimination, and economic dependence. Yet there is hope. The mind-set of many men has evolved from traditional dominance to partnership and mutual respect. This positive shift must be strengthened through education and value formation from childhood. Women’s equality and empowerment should never mean erasing femininity or conforming to male categories of achievement. True empowerment involves enabling women to shape society according to their dignity and unique identity. By protecting women’s femininity and full human dignity, we safeguard to moral health of society itself.
The Bible includes women’s voices and gifts. While we live in a time and culture far different from that of the historical Jesus; His way of welcoming and responding to women has much to teach us. Many women in the Church today still feel invisible and unheard. The woman who wondered if there was a place for her at the table in her Church was not questioning whether she would be welcome at the Eucharist or able to sit at a parish council meeting. Her desires go deeper than that. She, like other women in the Church today, wonders if there is really an openness to both her spiritual desires and her insights. Is the Church today a place where a woman can sit, like the woman at the well, and explore her questions openly without fear of being considered negative, hostile or pushy? Is the Church a place where a woman’s voice and her experience are valued even and especially when she brings a new perspective or, like Jesus himself, challenges the way things have always been understood?
After all, women joined the apostles in prayer between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:13-14). Perhaps a now-familiar parable that Jesus told about a woman captures it best. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened” (Matthew 13:33). Jesus recognised that women had gifts for discipleship, and he was not afraid to call these women forth. Some women today need to hear that the Church recognises their “leavening,” and welcomes their creativity and spirituality for the gifts that they can be to the “whole batch” that is our Church and our world.
Conclusion: The full dignity of women as a fundamental right must be acknowledged, promoted, and protected. Despite progress, women around the world-and especially in our country-continue to experience suppression, inequality, and violence. Transforming this reality requires more than policy changes; it demands a cultural and moral renewal. We must educate boys to respect girls as equals, encourage men to become partners rather than controllers, and empower women to recognise their own worth. Families, educational institutions, religious communities, media, and governments all share responsibility in cultivating a culture where women are valued and protected. When we give dignity, we gain humanity. When we honour women, we strengthen families. When we respect their voices, we enrich society. International Women’s day reminds us that the advancement of women is not a favour granted but a right recognised. In promoting the unique gifts of women-their physical strength, spiritual depth, intellectual brilliance, emotional sensitivity, and cultural creativity-we promote the flourishing of humanity itself.
Rev. Fr. C. Joseph,
Counsellor, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama.