Women’s Rights

The Creation account declares that both man and woman were created by God in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27).

The fact that Eve was made from one of Adam’s ribs implies parity and companionship (Genesis 2:21–24). As well stated by Matthew Henry (1662–1714), “The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”32 But sin distorted the relationship between men and women (Genesis 3:16), and through the ages, countless females have been invalidated and oppressed by men. The Seneca Falls Convention held in the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York, on July 19–20, 1848, asserted that by creation, “woman is man’s equal.” The “Declaration of Rights and Sentiments” presented and signed by one hundred of the three hundred attendees at the convention denounced several “injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman” and claimed that women, being “enlightened in regard to the laws under which they live,” had the right to speak in public meetings, to participate in the elective franchise, and more.

Men and women are equal not only by creation but also by redemption. Indeed, creation and redemption are the two great equalizers of human beings. Both men and women were created by God, and both are saved through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Paul says, “There is neither male nor female,” for all are “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). But even so, the Bible keeps a clear sexual distinction between males and females that should not be broken (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13).

Any attempt to break this distinction is a corruption of God’s creation (Romans 1:24–28). During His earthly ministry, Christ respected and upheld women. He protected them against social and religious discrimination (John 4:1–42; 8:1–11).

Any form of sexual abuse and social discrimination against women is a direct offense to God as their Creator and Sustainer!