Beyond Borders: Reflecting on International Women's Day

When contemplating International Women's Day, it's tempting to celebrate the strides we've made, thanks to the remarkable women's rights activists who paved the way. It's heartening to witness countless young girls reaching for the stars, entering universities, and vying for top positions in various sectors. Indeed, some of the world's most esteemed individuals are women.

However, International Women's Day isn't solely about acknowledging the rights we enjoy in America. It's crucial to recognize the ongoing plight of countless women worldwide who continue to suffer. These women lack basic rights, endure mistreatment, and face unimaginable hardships.

On this International Women's Day, I urge you to pause and reflect on the injustices still endured by the majority of women across the globe:

• Gender-based Violence: Women and girls disproportionately bear the brunt of violent crimes, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, and human trafficking. It's sobering to note that such atrocities occur not only in distant corners of the world but also within our communities. Shockingly, according to the NCVS in 2019, 90% of reported rapes targeted women.
• Limited Access to Education: While American women largely have access to quality education, many girls worldwide are denied this fundamental right. This denial not only stifles their personal and professional growth but also perpetuates cycles of violence and poverty across generations.
• Healthcare Disparities: Women globally face significant barriers to accessing basic healthcare, often leaving conditions untreated, including women-related cancers like cervical and breast cancers. Other diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, which are manageable in the U.S., can be fatal for women in other regions.
• Lack of Economic Opportunities: Despite their aspirations and efforts, many women in dire circumstances find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty. Limited education, coupled with restricted access to credit and job opportunities, hinders their path to economic empowerment.
• Political Inequalities: In many parts of the world, women are disenfranchised, unable to vote or run for office. This perpetuates cycles of violence and poverty, as policies and systems fail to address women's unique needs and challenges.
• Forced Marriage: While some envision their future weddings with excitement, countless girls worldwide are forced into marriage as children, robbing them of their childhood, education, and autonomy.

While International Women's Day is indeed cause for celebration, it's equally important to acknowledge the journey ahead. The United States stands as a beacon of rights and freedoms regardless of gender, a legacy worth cherishing and defending at all costs. Here, young women can pursue their dreams without limitations, contributing to diverse fields and shaping the future in remarkable ways.

As we commemorate this day, I implore you to pray for women worldwide. Pray for the continued empowerment of young women, encouraging them to dream big and strive for greatness. And for those enduring unimaginable hardships, pray for their liberation and for leaders who will champion their cause, ensuring that all women can live free, equal, and promising lives, abundant with opportunities.