As the world marks International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Mother Marie Pauline Kisita Afi Suka, NDE, Superior General of the Sisters of Notre Dame de l’Eglise (NDE), has called for the empowerment of women and their recognition in society.
“Women have always played an outstanding role in shaping history through their resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith,” she said in a message on behalf of her congregation to mark the day.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year to recognize the achievements of women around the world and to call for elimination of all discrimination, gender stereotypes, violence and greater equality for women. The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year in 1975.
Sr. Suka acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women across generations, saying, “Today, we acknowledge the remarkable impact of women religious who dedicate their lives in service to the Church and society, bearing witness to Christ’s love through their prayer, work, and presence.”
“As women religious, we are deeply committed to the integral formation and promotion of women, especially young girls, recognizing that when a woman is empowered, a family, a community, and ultimately, a nation are transformed,” she said.
Sr. Suka noted that “Our mission has always been to educate and nurture women to embrace their divine calling as pillars of faith, wisdom, and strength in society.
“We accompany mothers in their sacred duty of keeping their homes, training their children in a godly manner, and equipping them to be multifaceted women-capable of balancing faith, family, and professional life with grace,” she said, averring that “Guided by the Holy Spirit, we continue to build our Church and society, knowing that our mission extends beyond ourselves.”
According to her, “In this Year of Hope, we uniquely place our trust in the Lord, believing that through our prayers and actions, the world will turn to Him,” adding, “We are called to be living signs of the hereafter, blossoming each day in our love for God and His people.”
“To all our dear brothers and sisters, we affirm our love for you. We are each other’s keepers, bound by the commandment of love,” the Superior General stated.
Let us embrace one another with compassion, forgive at every moment, and stand as beacons of peace in a world that longs for healing. May the Lord bless all women today and always, strengthening us to continue our mission with courage and faith.
Source: Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana
