Opinion: Women’s Week 2021

“Empowered women empower women” was a central theme for this year’s International Women’s week.

Having such powerful, God-fearing women pour into the hearts of students truly made me take a step back and realize how wonderfully we are are created in the image of God Himself.

On Monday, March 1, Gloria Scott-Richmond hosted a “Latte in the Library.” After a busy week of preparing for midterms, I was feeling bogged down. I needed this week of celebration and education. To hear Scott-Richmond speak about her life story was truly incredible. She has clearly faced difficult times, but to see how she has risen above it all was such an inspiration.

When hearing Cheryl Johns speak in chapel, an overwhelming sense of peace washed over me. With hate and violence so prevalent in our society today, it’s easy to get caught up in it. However, like Johns mentioned, as Christians we are called to love. God loved his creation first, which is a beautiful demonstration of the raw and pure love we as women need to give back to society.

In today’s society, women are constantly being torn down through beauty standards, stereotypes, and requirements in the eyes of others. It is easy to get bogged down with the rage that women must face day to day.

In my opinion, this is not what God has called us to. We are designed to love fully and wholly. We are to show the world mercy as Christ would have. It can be difficult, but surrounding yourself with other God-like people to hold you accountable is a wonderful first step.

Overall, Lee University amplified the voices of incredible women to highlight the essence of what International Women’s Week is all about. The outpouring of love and acceptance from these speakers was awe-inspiring.