Brave and vulnerable
BY AUXILIARY-LIEUTENANT ROSY KEANE
International Women’s Day tomorrow gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the invaluable contributions of women, while acknowledging the challenges they face that hinder their safety and success.
Let us recognise Karen Kylleso, the 21-year-old Norwegian who, in January, became the youngest person to reach the South Pole solo and unassisted. Despite being lighter and shorter than most men, standing at five feet and weighing 48kg, Karen gained 10 per cent of her body weight to ensure she could pull a 100kg sled across 1130km – roughly the distance between Adelaide and Canberra – in 54 days.
We must also recognise Gisèle Pelicot, the Frenchwoman who became a global icon after waiving her right to anonymity in a mass rape trial against her ex-husband and 49 other men. She stated, “Shame must switch sides”, from herself to the perpetrators, offering hope to future victim-survivors. France’s Institute of Public Policies revealed that from 20122021, 94 per cent of rape cases were either not prosecuted or never brought to trial.
Limited progress
While the world has made strides, the vulnerability of women in systems that fail to support their flourishing continues. In healthcare in 2025, there is a concerning increase in maternal complications and deaths, many stemming from fear of legal repercussions in the US or misdiagnosis due to insufficient women’s healthcare research. Poverty, intimate partner violence, and the climate crisis disproportionately impact women. The United Nations Global Report on Trafficking in Persons estimates that 79 per cent of all modern-day slavery and trafficking involves the sexual exploitation of women and girls.
Lessons from history
Reflecting on history, we observe that women have long faced violence and oppression. In the Bible, 1 Samuel chapter 25, Abigail, who is married to a cruel and hateful man, intervenes to protect their village from King David’s wrath. Her wisdom and bravery save herself and her servants, while her husband’s heart ‘turned to stone’.
Embracing risk
We can find inspiration in turning to Mary, the mother of Jesus. When she agreed to bear the Messiah, she risked divorce from her fiancé, Joseph, potential religious execution for being an unmarried, pregnant woman, and the dangers of childbirth. Yet, she embraced this risk in obedience to God, making her a true hero.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
May we all be as brave! Mary’s relative Elizabeth faced judgment throughout her life for being childless. We pause here to acknowledge women who still face judgment and criticism regarding their choices or abilities concerning childbearing and rearing. We also thank God for the faithfulness of Elizabeth and Mary and the crucial role they played in bringing the Good News to earth: Elizabeth experienced the miracle of becoming pregnant ‘in her advanced years’ with John the Baptist, and Mary was the virgin who gave birth to Jesus the Messiah.
The mutual support they offered during pregnancy must have provided profound consolation after the loss of their sons in adulthood, with Jesus dying for our sins on a cross and John the Baptist being killed for his prophetic voice regarding the will and way of Jesus.
Healing power
Women’s stories are foundational to the spiritual and emotional fabric of communities. Their prayers, presence, and contributions are crucial to healing the world. So, as we celebrate women’s achievements and recognise the struggles they continue to face, let us join in praying for them.
