March 8 is International Women’s Day.

In the beginning God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:24)

On March 8 in many places across the world, women are rallying. With hand printed placards, banners, and emboldened yearnings that climb above their despair, they seek rights and recognition deserving of all human beings.

American Baptist Women Ministries stands with women and girls living in oppression that denies them the choice to go to school, to delay marriage, access medical care, worship freely, inherit or purchase land, start a business, and contribute voice and leadership in their societies.

We stand with American Baptist women who speak out against violence directed at wives, daughters, mothers and sisters, and decry the gender-based violence in our culture. We’ve been on the frontlines to break the chains of a modern day slavery that sells and uses the bodies of women and girls like disposable commodities.

Our Christ-centered mission is to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.

God has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; . . . to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. (Isaiah 63:1-3)

Visit www.abwministries.org to learn more.