International Women's Day 2026

On International Women’s Day, we pause to give thanks for the countless women who have shaped the Church, our communities, and the lives of young people. From mothers and grandmothers to teachers, ministers, and mentors, women have carried the Gospel forward with courage, wisdom, and compassion.

Throughout Scripture, we encounter women whose faith changed the course of history—Mary’s courageous “yes,” Mary Magdalene’s faithful witness to the Resurrection, and the many unnamed women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry. Their stories remind us that God continually raises up women as leaders, disciples, and bearers of hope.

At United Catholic Youth Ministries, we see this witness alive in the young women who lead, serve, speak with prophetic courage, and accompany others in faith. Their voices, gifts, and leadership are not only needed—they are essential to the life of the Church and to the flourishing of our world.

International Women’s Day also calls us to action. As people of faith, we are invited to ensure that young women are supported, empowered, and encouraged to respond boldly to God’s call in their lives. This means advocating for dignity, creating spaces of belonging, and recognizing the sacred gifts women bring to ministry and leadership.

May we continue to lift up the voices of women, stand in solidarity with them, and encourage the next generation of young women to know that they are beloved by God and called to help shape the future of the Church.

Today and every day, we give thanks for the women who inspire us to live the Gospel more fully.