Strong Girls, Strong WorldSample

Justice for Girls

“It’s not fair!” is a common refrain when children play games together. If someone goes out of turn, doesn’t follow the rules, or is somehow violating the perceived way of acting, one of the children may call for a nearby adult to impose the standards of fairness on the scene.

As adults, we have our own way of calling for fairness. We expect to be treated in certain ways, and if we aren’t, we demand attention from the nearest authority or call out the infraction on social media. If the unfairness is great enough, we can take legal action to protect our rights.

Fairness is a basic tenet of life for most of us. However, in much of the world, being treated fairly is not an expectation. The wealthy have more rights than the poor. Those in positions of power often ignore those who are weak or in need. Sadly, being born a girl in many parts of the world possibly means you will be treated unfairly all of your life. The cultural bias against girls starts early. Boys are prioritized for healthcare, education, and nutrition. When funds are limited, they are spent on the boys in the family. Girls are seen as an economic burden and are too often married off at an early age.

Even more astonishing, laws in many countries openly discriminate against women and girls. In many countries, girls are not allowed to inherit property, apply for a passport, or be considered head of a household. If a woman in an abusive marriage leaves her husband, she and her children no longer hold citizenship in some countries and become stateless.

Jesus lived in a culture where women were often discriminated against, yet time and time again, he lifted women up and showed them respect. When a woman who had been bleeding for many years reached out and touched Jesus, his disciples were ready to put her back in her place, but Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

When the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery, he didn’t condemn her. Instead, he said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” then told her to leave her life of sin and be forgiven.

When Jesus appeared after the Resurrection, he revealed himself first to women. Then he told them to go to his disciples with the news. Empowering women with the story of the Resurrection was a very countercultural act.

In today’s world, women and girls deserve as much respect and care as Jesus demonstrated. Supporting organizations that lift up women and girls and treat them fairly is a good way to start.

Interested in learning about how YOU can help girls around the world? Discover more by visiting stronggirlsstrongworld.com.