International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
We asked some of the brilliant women in our church family to tell us who inspires them, and how they draw strength from stories about women in the bible. Here’s what they said:
Tell us about a woman in your life that has inspired you (apart from your own mum!)
I’ve been inspired by different women at different times in my life- a neighbour, friends, sister. Those who inspire me are determined to do right, empowered to lead, inspired to stand against injustice and motivated to do something practical about it. I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, resourceful, wise, inspiring women who have also taught me that vulnerability is not weakness.
‘My friend Catherine is one of the best women I know. She is an incredible friend, the best parent, the biggest cheerleader and a solid woman of faith. The most inspirational thing about her is her compassionate heart and selfless nature and I am always inspired by her.’
A woman who has inspired me is my friend, and our previous Senior Churchwarden, Sarah. She is a beacon for Christ: caring ‘can do’ attitude in every circumstance.
‘My sister inspires me. She know exactly what to say when I need help or support. She also knows exactly how to wind me up but that’s sisters for you! No one can make me laugh as much as she can.
Is there a woman in the public eye that you think has been a great role model recently?
I read Michelle Obama's autobiography during the first lockdown and couldn't stop telling people about it afterwards. Her intelligence, work ethic, strength and humility means that she is a true inspiration.
‘Jacinda Arden, the New Zealand PM leads her country with a wisdom and compassion that I feel we rarely see. She aspires to govern justly and to improve the lives of the people whom she serves. She is an inspiring working parent balancing home and family life with the responsibility of a leading a country.’
Michelle Obama is a hero of mine at the moment, she is iconic and paves the way for so many women, especially women of colour, and everything she does and says is inspirational. I just think she’s really cool.
‘Doreen Lawrence: Despite grief and trauma she never gave up through the tragedy of Stephen’s death and turned this for good in working for justice.’
Jo Whiley. She has used her celebrity status to make real change and to get people listening. She has saved thousands of lives by simply speaking out! Amazing!
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
To have more confidence in my abilities and speak up more.
‘Get to know yourself and understand what you truly need to be content. You don’t have to fit into the mould of others’.
I’d tell myself to just chill, let things happen naturally and just love yourself. Love yourself as you are and eat all the things you love without the rubbish feelings. You deserve good things and you deserve good food!
‘Don’t give up- believe in who you are’.
Just do you! There is no ideal, no normal and certainly no one better!
Is there a woman in the bible that you can draw strength from?
I've always felt drawn to Esther as I once played her in a play during primary school! She knew the greatness of her God and acted courageously to save her people, taking full responsibility for her actions.
‘I’m motivated and encouraged by the descriptions of the female attributes of God - comforting their people like a mother comforts her child (Isaiah 66:13), like a mother hen longs to gather her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34),caring for people like a midwife that cares for the child she just delivered (Ps 22:9-10, Ps 71:6, Isa 66:9) which remind me I am made female in the image of God. ‘
There’s so many women in the bible to choose from, but I was recently reading the story of Ruth and Naomi and I am always flawed by Ruth’s devotion to her mother in law and friend. “Where you go, I will go, where you lodge, I will lodge and your people will be my people.” Selfless, devoted and loyal love in friendship and I learn from that story every time how we as women can uphold and strengthen one another.
‘Esther: she didn’t let outward circumstances/appearances stop her’.
I think that Mary, the mother of Jesus is a total warrior! She was so young when she was given such an enormous responsibility. It just goes to show that women can handle anything!
