On March 8 2025, we celebrate International Women's Day and with the slogan: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

On this occasion, the commemoration invites us to expand equal rights, access to opportunities and decision-making power for all, leaving no one behind. At the heart of this message is the empowerment of the next generation, reminding us that lasting change depends on education, training and support for young women and girls from all walks of life.

A legacy of education and transformation

St. Candida Maria de Jesus, a woman of faith and radical obedience to God, was a person ahead of her time as regards her perspective of women in society. She knew how to respond to the need for the integral education and improvement of the cultural level of women. We know from the beginning of the congregation which she founded that she personally took care of organizing the Sunday schools for girls in the domestic service.

In her letter # 162 of December 1898, she proudly recounted the participation of 217 young women in the Sunday school. Many of them were domestic helpers. She valued their keenness and their willingness to learn. She expressed in this letter:

Today, with God's grace, I am going to write to tell you that we have 217 very bright young women in the Sunday school. These are those who are enrolled and about 150 are those who are participating since almost all of them are working and leave every 15 days. They come with great enthusiasm and with the desire to learn a lot. On holidays we also have classes and on the feast of the Immaculate Conception we hold classes.

Letter #162 to Sr. Joaquina Gómez. 19 December 1898

After more than 125 years, her vision resonates and lives strongly today. Although we have advanced in rights and opportunities, millions of women and girls around the world are still facing obstacles to education, employment and leadership.

A call to action: the future is now

Like St. Candida in her time, today it is our turn to act. It is not enough to recognize the importance of equality but it is time to promote real change. How can we do this?

- Investing in the education of girls and young women because knowledge continues to be the key to reducing inequality.

- Promoting spaces for leadership for women in all areas.

- Eliminating barriers and prejudices that continue to limit women's development

 FASFI (Fundación Ayuda Solidaria Hijas de Jesús) works tirelessly in building a more just, supportive and inclusive world. FASFI places special emphasis on the education and empowerment of women and girls in vulnerable situations. Through the cooperation, training and sustainable development projects, FASFI follows the legacy of St. Candida which focuses on the dignity and growth of people through education and the promotion of their rights.  Supporting FASFI is a concrete way to be part of the change and to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.

The 8th March 2025 is an opportunity to continue reflecting on the road travelled and the steps that remain to be navigated. We come closer to St. Candida Maria de Jesus, a woman of faith and vision. Her commitment to the education of women is a legacy which inspires us to remain committed to “trying to bring out the best in people.”