March 8, 2022

All who call this planet home are impacted by a warming climate. But our most vulnerable, particularly women and girls, are disproportionately affected. And although women may carry the burden of weathering storms (and tsunamis and droughts and all events that result from a warming planet), they are also the first to embrace earth-friendly policies and practices as they (and their families and communities) are literally on the front lines. Seeing our way forward to a sustainable future can only be realized when the leadership of women and girls is encouraged and valued.

International Women’s Day is a day set aside each year to address challenges that are unique to women and girls. For 2022, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, or U.N. Women, has chosen the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” in recognition of “the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.”

International Women’s Day reminds us to reflect on our responsibility to make this world a just world. As people of faith called by God to care for God’s Creation, let us encourage, value and support our sisters and neighbors who bear the greatest consequences of climate change.

Carissa Herold is marketing associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Inc.

Today’s Focus:  International Women’s Day

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Ivy Lopedito, Mission Specialist, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

Loving Creator, a warming planet affects us all, but our poorest neighbors bear the greatest burdens of climate change. On this International Women’s Day, and all days, let us strive toward gender equality so your daughters, as well as your sons, are empowered to find solutions for a sustainable future. Amen.