Empowered to Act: 5 women in the Bible who accelerated change and also took action to promote Social Justice

 

Women and the Pursuit of Justice 

We live in an unfair world—one where the powerful often exploit the powerless, the wealthy take advantage of the poor, and those in authority oppress those without influence. Sadly, women frequently bear the brunt of this injustice. In many cultures, they are silenced, considered weak, and denied independence. Even in modern societies, their voices are often dismissed, and their experiences invalidated.

But the fight for justice is not just about challenging oppressive systems—it is also about standing together. Too often, women find themselves opposing one another rather than offering support. Whether in legislative debates or personal interactions, justice is not only hindered by societal structures but also by the divisions within. The call for fairness should not be a battle among women but a united effort to uplift one another.

Despite these challenges, justice can help bridge the gap and bring about change. True justice is not merely an act of charity—it is the moral principle that upholds fairness, dignity, and equal treatment for all. From the beginning, God, in His infinite wisdom, never regarded women as lesser than men. Throughout history and scripture, we see that women are equal recipients of His grace, gifted, and called to serve humanity in meaningful ways.

Yet, many women hesitate to speak up for fear of being labeled rebellious or unsubmissive. They are often conditioned to believe that silence is a virtue and that dimming their light will prevent conflict. But the Bible tells a different story—one where women played pivotal roles in securing justice and creating change. 

 

Women Who Stood for Justice

 

1. Deborah: A Judge and Warrior

 

Deborah was not just a prophetess; she was a leader who governed Israel with wisdom and courage. People sought her counsel as she sat under the Palm of Deborah, delivering justice. But she was not only a judge—she was a warrior.

 

When God commanded Barak to lead Israel’s army against their oppressor, he refused to go unless Deborah accompanied him. Rather than stepping back, Deborah led alongside him, rallying 10,000 warriors to battle. The odds were against them—Sisera, the enemy commander, had 900 iron chariots—but with faith and determination, Deborah inspired Israel to victory.

 

In a time when women were not expected to lead, Deborah broke barriers and fought for justice, proving that righteousness, not gender, determines a leader.

 

2. Esther: A Queen Who Risked It All

 

Esther was an orphan who became queen, yet she never forgot her people. When a decree was issued to exterminate the Jews, she initially hesitated to intervene—after all, approaching the king uninvited could mean death. But her uncle Mordecai reminded her:

 

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"  (Esther 4:14)

 

Determined, Esther called for a fast, approached the king, and skillfully orchestrated a plan that exposed the enemy’s plot. Her courage saved an entire nation.

 

Like Esther, women in positions of influence today have an opportunity to advocate for justice, using their platforms to protect the vulnerable and speak up for the oppressed.

 

 3. Abigail: A Peacemaker Who Prevented Bloodshed 

 Abigail was intelligent, discerning, and married to a man named Nabal, who was both cruel and reckless. When David sought kindness from Nabal, he was met with insults, prompting David to prepare for vengeance.

Hearing of this, Abigail acted swiftly. She gathered provisions and went to David, humbling herself and pleading for peace. She did not defend her husband’s actions simply because he was her husband; she knew he was wrong and chose to do what was right. In a time when loyalty to one’s spouse was expected at all costs, Abigail showed that true support does not mean condoning wrongdoing. Her wisdom and diplomacy not only saved her household but also prevented David from shedding innocent blood in anger.

Abigail teaches us that justice is not always about fighting—it is also about reconciliation. Her actions remind us that standing for what is right, even when it means going against societal expectations, can bring peace and prevent unnecessary suffering.

 4. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A Vessel of Redemption

 

Mary’s story is one of obedience and sacrifice. Chosen to bear the Savior of the world, she accepted a path that exposed her to ridicule and uncertainty. In a society where an unwed pregnancy could bring severe consequences, Mary chose faith over fear.

 

Through her, Jesus Christ was born—the One who would ultimately bring justice and redemption to all of humanity. Her story shows that sometimes, standing for justice means surrendering to God's greater plan, even when the journey is difficult.

 

5. Dorcas: A Life of Compassionate Justice

 

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was a woman of great kindness. She dedicated her life to making clothes for widows and caring for the needy. When she died, the impact of her generosity was so profound that the widows mourned deeply, and the apostle Peter was called to intervene. Through prayer, Dorcas was restored to life.

 

Her story reminds us that justice is not only about confronting oppression but also about uplifting those in need. Simple acts of kindness can transform lives and bring hope to the marginalized.

 

The Call to Justice

 

Each of these women, in their own way, stood for justice—whether through leadership, advocacy, wisdom, obedience, or acts of kindness. They defied societal norms, faced opposition, and trusted God to work through them.

 

Today, injustice persists in many forms—domestic violence, workplace discrimination, human trafficking, economic disparity, and more. Women, regardless of status or background, have the power to bring change. You do not need to be a leader or have wealth to make a difference. Justice begins with courage, faith, and a willingness to act.

 

 

- In politics, women can use their voices to elect leaders who uphold righteousness.

 

- In families and communities, they can advocate for fairness and stand against oppression.

 

- In workplaces and institutions, they can ensure ethical practices and fair treatment for all.

 

- In churches and faith communities, they can encourage and support those facing struggles.

 

Justice is not about seeking recognition; it is about doing what is right, even when no one is watching. It is about standing in the gap for others, just as Deborah, Esther, Abigail, Mary, and Dorcas did.

 

You may feel insignificant or unqualified, but God can use you just as you are. Step forward in faith, and let His justice shine through you.

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever I think about women, I think about Eden. I think about the beginning; how God created the world - His heart and intention for the world. This, for me, is usually how I address anything, so as to see God's mind and come to a place of functioning by design or as designed.

Let's see this briefly in the book of Genesis.

In Chapter 1:27-28, God created mankind in His own image - that is, making them to be like Himself. The Bible records that He created them male and female, then blessed them to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the face of the earth, with everything under their control. This means they were in charge of everything.

Note, that Eve wasn't mentioned here but was already in the picture and included. As such, the blessing was for both Adam and Eve.

Genesis 1 ends by saying that, God looked at everything He had made and saw that it was good. Flowing from this, we then can conclude that the picture of good in God's eyes, is when both the human beings created work hand in hand.

Do we see, that right from the beginning the woman was included in leadership?

This gives the picture that when both men and women are in charge of things, there is dominion and replenishing of the surface of the earth.

So when both men and women are in leadership in the church, we bring a perfect blend of order. We are accurately able to bear fruits (fruitful and multiply), causing the church to advance.

Doesn't it sound like the same instruction Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 28vs19?

"Go ye into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit".

Even in the preceding verses of this chapter, the women went early to the tomb that Jesus was buried. Eventually they realized that He had risen from the dead and were instructed to go tell the disciples.

All through the Bible, we see women play leadership roles directly to bring deliverance unto nations and raise disciples. Some examples:

1. Deborah

In Judges 4&5, we see the life of Deborah, a wife, a prophet and a judge. I particularly loved that her being a wife was first mentioned in the Bible. A woman can be in a leadership role and still be a present wife.

In a time where the roads were deserted and warriors lived in fear; she fed the commander of the army of Israel with encouraging words, causing strength in their hearts just as a mother will feed food to her family to cause nourishment.

Eventually Israel had victory and peace for 40years. She didn't fight but was the trigger to victory.

b) Priscilla in Acts 26: alongside her husband discipled a man named Apollos, teaching him more accurately the way of God. Romans 16vs3-5 also mentioned that a church met in their house, she must also have been responsible for some administrative and welfare works.

So how can women be empowered which ultimately empowers the church?

1. Celebrate their contributions

amidst building their homes and nurturing their families, this causes them to do more and not see it as being sidelined. Besides, many believers also work in secular spaces. The culture of appreciation and celebration can spread into these spaces causing the church to have an influence on actions and indeed shine in the midst of a dark and confused world.

2. Organise Relevant Trainings for Women

biblical trainings and leadership trainings helps to refine the qualities that women already have. This gives the church a rich blend of knowledgeable and capable hands to handle the affairs of the church.

3) Give Women the Avenue for expression

women gifted in particular areas such as teaching, ability to mobilize people etc should be given the room to handle this aspects. They shouldn't be seen as too driven or competitive because really, the welfare or children's department isn't the only spaces reserved for women. Some men even function much better in these places.

This often times give women a training ground for the specific assignments God has for their lives. We must therefore partner with God to prepare His vessels.

Conclusion

When we follow the order of God for doing things, we bring His order in any arena we find ourselves. Similarly, when the women in church are empowered to lead, we bring the body of Christ into the fruitfulness and expansion that God has in mind.

He knows the qualities that is embedded in each gender and in His wisdom made it such that both has to function to experience fullness. It means that God's design was never for one to function without the other, collaboration in key in God's agenda for His bride.

Empowering Women, Empowering the Church: A Biblical Perspective on Women Leadership