Enslaved or Empowered
International Women’s Day. It may be 110 years old. The United Nations adopted it globally back in 1975. But what does it really mean to be a woman in these times?
For over a century it’s been marked as a celebration, and much lip service to equality is regularly paid. But what’s been happening recently just highlights the injustice and heaviness that so many women still feel. And it’s not just a female thing, I know men who feel it too. The concern and confusion over the glaring differences in opportunity and outcome based purely on gender. Although of course, for men it is not their lived experience, no matter how much sympathy they may express.
This is me
As a white, middle class woman, I appreciate there’s an element of privilege from which I write. I can’t change that. And neither can I apologise for it. But I do feel that I need to own it, saying from the outset that I understand my experiences are not a collective voice on behalf of womankind. However, my words are well intended and seek to bring hope for all women.
After 12 months of living through a global pandemic it felt like IWD passed without much fanfare this year. The slogan #choosetochallenge was an interesting focus, especially after such a season of division and distrust. But there it was in the calendar, an occasion to be marked, tweeted about and referenced in the media. Women were to be celebrated - internationally. Hooray…
How quickly things can change
No sooner had we finished posting our inspirational instagram quotes, we then saw a high profile celebrity dragged through the press, criticised and questioned, for speaking out about her experiences of joining the British Royal family. And no, we don’t need to debate about whether we agree with her or not. When someone, anyone, a woman, a man, a royal, a mixed race person, someone with no education, someone who holds a university qualification - ANYONE - shares thoughts about ending their life, you listen. It’s something that needs taking seriously.
Then we heard the horrific news of a woman who was murdered on the streets because she dared to walk home alone in the dark. Fast forward to the brutal, and arguably heavy-handed, treatment by the police of women who took to the streets to voice concerns for their ongoing safety. The right to protest peacefully is now being scrutinised. Somewhat ironically, new policy to make it harder to question those in power is being promoted by a woman of Ugandan-Indian heritage. This is not just a gender issue. It’s an issue of power. (but that’s for a whole other blog post!)
Throw in Mother’s Day at the end of that week and you’d be forgiven for feeling confused about the value of women in society.
All of it ultimately points to just how far we still are from equality.
"Until men and women work together to fight the misogyny and sexism we’ve seen for millennia, things will not change."
Taking an anecdotal snapshot of how women have collectively felt during the pandemic, I’d argue they’ve felt pressures from this pandemic more than any man I know. Not to say it’s not been difficult for men, but I can guarantee that it’ll be women who have felt the heaviness of the juggle. The balance. The expectations and the weight of carrying everything for so long.
My heart is so heavy with that reality; personally and collectively.
Half the adult population will emerge from this season walking wounded. The pressures. The demands. The spinning plates. The mess from the broken ones. The heightened responsibility.
I found it difficult finding words to articulate my processing. But what I do know is this:
Until men and women work together to fight the misogyny and sexism we’ve seen for millennia, things will not change.
Where does it begin?
The truth is that the division started in the garden. And the enemy has thrived on it ever since. God knew it wasn’t good for man to be alone. He created Eve. She and Adam were to lead and rule together. As a team they were given dominion over the earth. The unity between men and women which God intended from creation, was broken when the seed of distrust was sown in the garden. The enemy saw an opportunity and he capitalised on it. He sought division. And he still does.
But this was never God’s design. He never intended there to be a division between men and women; we were called from the start to work in team. It is not how God wanted it to be. It’s still not how He wants it to be. And it’s certainly not what we see of Jesus in the gospels.
Jesus does it differently
Have you ever been caught off guard by your experience as a woman? The jarring disconnect you feel when you know someone has treated you differently purely based on the fact you have two x chromosomes. Our experience may not match up to how we see Jesus treat women. The bible tells a different story from what some of us have known.
Recently I’ve been putting myself in the picture throughout the stories. And I can see Jesus before me in all of the encounters He has with women.
I’ve known what it’s like to stretch out my hands, desperately seeking Jesus for healing, just like the woman who had bled for 12 years.
I know what it’s like to sit at his feet like Mary, eagerly awaiting the nuggets He wants to share with me. Hanging on His every word.
I also know what it’s like to rush around, like Martha, too busy. Distracted, with misplaced priorities.
I’ve felt the condemnation from those in power, who stood in judgement, gathering to throw stones, like the women caught in the act of adultery.
I’ve heard his command to share the good news just as he asked of Mary in the garden on Easter Sunday. And I’ve also known the rejection and questioning that she would’ve felt when she told the other disciples that Jesus was alive.
I’ve known the pain and fear at the foot of the cross wondering, like the women who watched him die, if he will come through.
Well here’s the truth.. He did then and he still does! Through His resurrection we have confidence.
Jesus met these women in the gospels with grace, love and kindness. He brought healing and hope. He empowered them and spoke promise over their futures. And He longs to show all this to you.
This is who we worship. I can see the proof of God’s heart for unity. Humans will get it wrong, but that doesn’t mean Jesus does.
If you’re feeling alone, forgotten, condemned or held down then check your lenses. Maybe you feel shackled. This is not Jesus’ heart for you. Look at the evidence. Get reading through the gospels. Spend time with your Saviour and tune into His voice. He calls you woman. That should empower, not enslave, you. He calls you free to soar.
