From coastal China to Southeast Asia, Catholic communities across the continent marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with prayer, reflection, and advocacy recognizing the role of women in the Church and society.
Celebrations centered on the theme “Faith, Hope, and Love,” highlighting the contributions of women in both family and community life.
Across the region, Church leaders and faithful called for renewed commitment to the “equal dignity of men and women” rooted in the Gospel.
A vocation of love
In Thailand, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) hosted a gathering focused on reflection and dialogue on the Church’s social teachings. Women from various ministries revisited the “Letter to Women” by Pope St. John Paul II.
Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri, chairman of the CBCT Office for Social Development, paid tribute to the “feminine genius” in the Church.
“We give thanks for the many women who—created in the image of God—generously serve as leaders, educators, and volunteers,” Bishop Siripong said. “They are the ones who support and accompany the growth of our communities, contributing to the well-being of society by praising God and doing good to their neighbors.”
The bishop also emphasized the role of mothers and wives as catechists of the “domestic church,” noting that their care and guidance shape children’s first encounter with the Christian faith.
Scriptural reflection and personal testimony
Photo credit: Sr. Kannikar Iamthaison, SHB
The Bangkok gathering, livestreamed nationwide by Catholic Social Communication Thailand, also explored biblical foundations of human dignity.
Participants reflected on the concept of Imago Dei in Genesis 1:26 and its implications for understanding the dignity of women and men created in God’s image.
Speakers also shared personal testimonies of faith.
Ms. Siriwan Mek Wichaiwong of Chiang Mai spoke about a difficult period in her life.
“During times of crisis, the only thing that helped me get through was the sound of church bells,” she said. “It was like the voice of God telling me of His love, giving me hope to move forward.”
Associate Professor Dr. Waraporn Saengtaveesilp described women as being at the “heart of humanity’s plan of salvation,” pointing to the Virgin Mary as a model of faithful dedication to God.
Call for justice
While the celebrations were marked by gratitude, speakers also highlighted continuing challenges faced by women.
In Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV addressed pilgrims during the Sunday Angelus and spoke about violence and discrimination against women worldwide.
“To them, especially, go my solidarity and my prayers,” the pope said, urging the faithful to translate Gospel values into concrete protection for vulnerable people.
The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), based in Chiang Mai, also issued a statement calling for stronger action to uphold women’s rights.
General Secretary Dr. Mathews George Chunakara said that despite legal progress, “entrenched patriarchal norms and systemic bias” continue to undermine equality across the region.
“Justice for women and girls means dignity in being heard and believed,” he said. “It is only when commitments are translated into action that we reach the goal of justice.”
Regional observances
International Women’s Day was observed in different ways across the Asia-Pacific region.
China: Parishes in Ningbo and Jiangxi celebrated Masses highlighting women’s participation in parish ministries and pastoral work.
South Asia: In Bangladesh, activities focused on the rights of migrant women, while in India some communities organized “safe-city walks” to promote safer public spaces.
Pacific: Archbishop Peter Chong of Suva, Fiji, invited the faithful to a special Eucharistic celebration linking the call for gender equality with care for the environment.
As international organizations such as the United Nations and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) continue efforts to address discriminatory laws, Catholic communities across Asia reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the dignity of every person.
