Three Women of the Bible and the Significance of International Women’s Day

Today we mark International Women’s Day, a moment to recognise the contribution, courage and resilience of women across history. Scripture provides powerful examples of women whose lives shaped faith, community and history. In many ways, their stories still speak to the realities women face today.

Women throughout history have experienced marginalisation, abuse, neglect and rejection. The Bible does not hide these realities. Instead, it records them honestly. Yet within these difficult contexts we also find accounts of women who demonstrated remarkable courage, leadership and faith. Their actions changed the course of events and revealed the value God places on women.

One such woman is Esther. Her story, recorded in the Book of Esther, shows extraordinary bravery. Living as a Jewish woman in the Persian Empire, Esther risked her life by approaching the king without invitation in order to expose a plot that would have destroyed her people (Esther 4:14–16). Her courage and strategic wisdom led to the preservation of the Jewish nation. Esther represents women who stand up in positions of influence and use their voice to protect others.

A second example is Ruth, a widowed immigrant whose loyalty and integrity changed her destiny. Ruth chose to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay” (Ruth 1:16). In a society where widows were vulnerable, Ruth’s faithfulness and perseverance led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David and part of the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Her story reminds us that quiet faithfulness can shape history.

Finally, Mary, the mother of Jesus, represents humility and obedience. When told she would bear the Messiah, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant… may your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Mary accepted a calling that carried both honour and social risk. Through her obedience, the incarnation entered human history.

On International Women’s Day, these biblical figures remind us that women have always been central to God’s purposes. Their courage, faith and leadership continue to inspire generations today.