International Women’s Day: Africa’s Catholic Bishops Urge Women to “embrace their God-given potential”

“Your voices matter, your dreams are valid, and your contributions are essential to the growth and transformation of our societies. Let us work together to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive,” the Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) says.

He adds, “As we celebrate this day, let us recommit ourselves to advocating for the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls, ensuring that they are given the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve.”

Referring to Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on human fraternity and social friendship, Fratelli Tutti, SECAM President says, “The organization of societies worldwide is still far from reflecting clearly that women possess the same dignity and identical rights as men and doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment, and violence, since they are frequently less able to defend their rights.”

“In this Holy Year 2025 proclaimed by Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, let’s sow hope by promoting rights and equality for all women and girls through our decisions and behavior, and by making a firm commitment to women’s empowerment programs,” he says referring to the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.

Cardinal Ambongo further notes that IWD coincides with the Lenten Season, which he describes as a time for “reflection, conversion, and spiritual renewal.”

Encouraging women to deepen their faith, SECAM President says, “This is an opportune moment for women to deepen their faith and draw closer to God who seeks dignity for every Human.”

“I encourage you, dear sisters, to use this Lenten season to strengthen your relationship with Christ, to seek His guidance in your daily lives, and to trust in His plan for you,” the Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) says.

He goes on to reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of faith, courage, and humility, and urges women to turn to her in times of difficulty. 

“Mary’s life also reminds us of her strong family role as a mother to Jesus Christ and as a companion to Blessed Saint Joseph. As you navigate the complexities of life, seek her intercession and emulate her virtues. Let her life inspire you to live with grace, compassion, and unwavering faith,” Cardinal Ambongo says.

He calls for self-care and recognition of each woman’s worth in God’s eyes, saying, “Your faith, resilience, and love have the power to transform lives and bring about God’s kingdom on earth. As you work tirelessly for the well-being of others, do not forget to care for yourselves—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Remember that you are cherished by God, and your worth is immeasurable.”

“On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women, advocate for their rights, and empower them to reach their full potential,” SECAM President says, and adds, “Let us also use this Lenten season to grow in faith, to seek Mary’s intercession, and to draw closer to Christ, who is the source of our strength and hope.”

“May God bless all women and girls,” Cardinal Ambongo implores in his March 7 message shared with ACI Africa, adding, “Happy International Women’s Day!”

Meanwhile, in the Central African nation of Cameroon, Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of the country’s Buea Catholic Diocese has acknowledged with appreciation the contributions of women to families, the Church, and the world at large.

“I wish to acknowledge the great role women play both in the Church and in the building up of society. I wish to equally congratulate them for their contributions towards their respective families, the growth of the Church, and the development of the world at large,” Bishop Bibi says in his March 7 message, the eve of the IWD.

According to him, “The woman's worth has often been associated with their sacred and fruitful role in the management of a wholesome home. We cannot ignore this great ideal, for she exercises a powerful influence on society, through the home, which is the basic cell of the human society.”

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He underscores the role of women in nurturing families and their increasing influence in leadership, politics, and advocacy for human rights, saying, “In modern times, however, women have courageously accepted new duties and responsibilities, influencing the society through political action, engaging in the fight for human rights, embracing leadership roles, and bringing their peculiar feminine characteristics to bear on society in very special ways.”

“The participation of women in various leadership roles, politics, and various spheres of influence in society, serve to guarantee the good and the progress of all. While we recognize and congratulate women for excelling in various aspects of society, we call on them to equally recognize the place of God in their lives,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop says.

He further urges women to anchor their efforts in faith and moral values. “These values include but are not limited to the dignity of woman and the human being, faith in God, love, the sacredness of the family, respect for the right of every human being, and above all, the right to life,” he says.

Bishop Bibi cautions against ideologies that contradict African and Judeo-Christian principles, and highlights “radical feminist tendencies” that could undermine the dignity of women as problematic.

“This is important to emphasize, given the temptation to embrace agendas and programs that are irreconcilable with both African and Christian thought. These emerge especially from radical feminist tendencies, which instead of empowering, ensuring equality, and granting liberty to the woman, enslave and destroy her dignity,” he says.

The Cameroonian Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of Buea Diocese since December 2019, first as Apostolic Administrator, and since February 2021 as the Local Ordinary cites Pope John Paul II in encouraging women to engage in addressing societal challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV), poverty, and drug abuse.

“Women must become not spectators but true actors, seeking solutions to the world's problems. Women must become involved in seeking solutions to peace and justice, Gender-based violence, physical violence, drug abuse, the scourge of poverty, and the myriad of problems our society is facing,” he says.

“It is in this involvement, in seeking solutions to the challenges of the community that the woman's true potential is actualized,” Bishop Bibi adds in his 2025 IWD message.

He implores, “May Mary, Queen of Love, watch over women and their mission in service of humanity, of peace, and of the spread of God's Kingdom!”