Women at a water tap in a nutritional garden in Zimbabwe.
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.
In a single conversation, Jesus shatters every social barrier: gender, ethnicity, and reputation. This Samaritan woman is an outsider, who may well be fetching water during the scorching noonday heat to avoid the scorn of her community.
Yet, Jesus engages with her and reveals himself to be the Messiah. He trusts that she will see past all that divides their two communities. In response, she becomes an evangelist, abandoning her water jug to rush off and tell her neighbours the good news.
Today is International Women’s Day and this story acts as a reminder of the importance of recognising and affirming the gifts and value of all women, especially those who face oppression, marginalisation, or injustice around the world.
Ruwadzano works for Caritas Chinoyi in Zimbabwe. Part of her role involves ensuring women and girls have access to safe and clean water, freeing up the hours they previously spent collecting water so that they can focus on education, employment and community activities. Reflecting on her work, she tells us: “It's really inspiring to see women just be great.”
All over the world, women are bringing good news to their communities. This International Women’s Day, let’s seek to build a world where we may all be freed from the forces of violence, exclusion and poverty.
Prayer
Gracious God,
we pray for women in the world,
who show resilience in the face of challenges,
who care for others and our common home,
who show both service and leadership.
Amen.
Act
On this International Women’s Day find out more about CAFOD’s work to empower and support women around the world.
