Let’s Celebrate International Women’s Day with Truth from God’s Word

By Susan Freese

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to rejoice and reflect on God’s immeasurable love and value for every woman—His image-bearers.

On this annual March 8th holiday, women worldwide are given special honor on International Women’s Day, similar to how Americans recognize women on Mother’s Day. Italian women are greeted with flowers and candies. Romanian women exchange small homemade gifts. Yet, in many countries, women are not valued nor have basic civil rights.

Consider Pakistan, where many women grow up believing they are inferior to men. Some women are even told by their fathers and husbands that God does not love them. These lies distort the truth of Scripture and prevent women from pursuing their God-given purpose.

Imagine being told you are not loved because you are a woman? Inconceivable in our western world.

During one of our All In Ministries International (All In) zoom training meetings, we met a courageous young leader looking to bring change to her nation of Pakistan. Noor* is in the beginning stages of creating a safe house for abandoned and abused women. She contacted All In for help connecting discipleship with humanitarian aid.

She shared how many women are rejected by their families for placing their faith in Christ and have nowhere to turn, and said:

“Many Christian women are told by their fathers and husbands that God does not love them and that is why women are not in the Bible.”

Women not in the Bible?! What Bible are they reading? Let’s take a closer look at reliable translations.

International Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to revisit the truth of God’s Word, which is an entirely different message from what many women are told in Pakistan:

“So, God created man in his own image,  in the image of God he created him;    male and female he created them.”

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

In Your True Story: The 50-Day Essential Guide to Your New Life with Jesus biblical definitions are included such as what it means to be an “image-bearer.” It states:

“Unlike angels and animals, people—both male and female—are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27). We think, invent, plan, feel, create, know right from wrong, have memories and ideas, and birth new life. Most importantly, we can worship, know, and love God” (pg. 17).

Women are created in God’s image, equally loved, and designed for His Kingdom—not an afterthought.

We cannot skip over this truth that God purposefully designed women—and included them in the Bible—even if it does not support our culture or family traditions.

In contrast, the creation story reveals that God said it was “not good” for Adam to be alone (Gen. 2:18). A “male-only” world was an option, but not ideal. We realize God considered creation “very good” when both Adam and Eve were created (Gen. 1:31). Men and women are to work together to fulfill their divine design—all for God’s glory.

This unifying, collaborative theme continues throughout the pages of Scripture . . .

📖 In the Old Testament . . .

Deborah works with Barak to guide Israel and lead them to victory (Judges 4-5).

Ruth and Boaz are united as part of the lineage of God’s promised Messiah (Ruth 4).

Esther and Mordecai collaborate to save the Jews from a horrible plot of genocide (Esther 4).

📖 In the New Testament . . .

Mary, a young, poor, unknown virgin woman was chosen to fulfill prophesy and courageously birth Jesus as part of God’s rescue plan (Luke 1).

The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) was offered living water despite cultural and gender prejudices. God works through her as a messenger to bring hope and salvation to the rest of her village.

Mary of Bethany sits at the feet of Jesus, a position traditionally reserved for men, and learns from Him (Luke 10:38-42).

Mary Magdalene is the FIRST to witness the resurrected Jesus (John 20:11-18) and is entrusted to proclaim the greatest news in history—His victory over death—even when Jesus’s own disciples were at the tomb moments before!

Jesus intentionally chose WOMEN to serve alongside men in the beautiful ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5).

On this International Women’s Day let’s remember that women are dearly loved by God and included in Scripture—not a few times or in a few books, but throughout all pages of Scriptures.

That’s why All In Ministries International (All In) exists. We desire to see women discover the love of Jesus. Because when they encounter Him, and realize they have value and a divine purpose, they bring change to their families and villages.

Would you help us? Would you consider investing in the work God is doing through All In, so that women like Noor can help more women know they are loved, valued and have a divine purpose.

SPOTLIGHT ON PAKISTAN WOMEN

🚨 Low literacy rates – Only 48% of Pakistani women can read, making it difficult for them to access and understand Scripture.

🚨 Cultural oppression – Women can be cast out of their homes for arbitrary reasons, blamed for infertility, and suffer from deep-seated superstitions about menstruation, leading to shame and isolation.

🚨 False teachings – Even within some Christian homes women are told that God does not value them, keeping them from living in the fullness of His love.

“I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, I know this very well.”

Psalm 139:14

How All In Ministries International Is Helping

By God’s grace and many prayers, Noor is shattering these lies and transforming lives. We can help her teach women the truth of God’s love, equip her with practical biblical knowledge, and empower her to disciple others. Noor does not stand alone.

All In Ministries International invites female leaders from hard-to-reach places worldwide to join our Catalyst Cohort—a transformative learning community designed to ignite Disciple-Making Movements across cultures. Through four online sessions, leaders like Noor will gain essential skills in evangelism, discipleship, and leadership while utilizing our free, field-tested tools.

Will You Pray With Us?

🙏 Pray for Noor – Ask God to strengthen and protect her as she leads women out of oppression and into freedom in Christ.

🙏 Pray for Pakistani women – That lies would be silenced and women would discover their worth in God’s eyes, overcome cultural oppression, and become disciple-makers in their communities.

🙏 Pray for the Catalyst Cohort – For women leaders to multiply their impact globally, bringing transformation to families, churches, and nations.

You’re Invited to Take Action on International Women’s Day and Every Day

🌍 Join us in prayer for Noor and women in Pakistan.

📢 Share this message to help more people recognize the life-changing power of discipleship. You can share All In Ministries and our free tools.

🎁 Give to All In Ministries to equip women like Noor with the training and resources they need to bring lasting change. You can give here.

🙏 Participate in a Catalyst Cohort – If you are a woman leader looking to multiply your impact, bringing disciple-making training to your church and community, contact us.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

Proverbs 31:25

Let this International Women’s Day be a day of celebration of God’s indescribable love for women everywhere. May we stand together, pray fervently, and work with men collaboratively to see God’s Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

**Names have been changed to protect identity.

Let’s Celebrate International Women’s Day with Truth from God’s Word

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to rejoice and reflect on God’s immeasurable love and value for every woman—His image-bearers.