Editorial ( April 2026 )

Title: The Strength within Her

Author : Sijo Thomas

On Women’s Day 2026, a post by the food delivery platform Zomato went viral: ‘Yes, women should be in the kitchen.’ For a moment the internet paused in disbelief. Then came the twist: ‘…grabbing a belan (rolling pin) to beat up everyone who says so.’

The humour instantly flipped a familiar stereotype into a powerful commentary on gender assumptions. The post spread rapidly across social media, reminding us how sensitive and often misunderstood the conversation about women’s dignity and roles continues to be.

Yet beyond viral posts and cultural debates lies a deeper truth that the Christian faith has long proclaimed: the dignity of women is not defined by stereotypes or social expectations, but by God Himself.

When I reflect on this truth, I do not begin with theories. I begin with two women I know closely: my mother and my wife.

About my wife, I can say this with honesty: the woman she was twenty years ago is not the same woman she is today. She has grown, changed, and endured storms that could have easily broken her. She has fought silent battles that few people ever noticed. She has carried pain, doubts, and fears quietly in her heart.

Even now, in the delicate season of motherhood and postpartum challenges, she continues to navigate emotional struggles that not everyone understands. Some misunderstand her journey; some even wait to see her stumble. Yet she stands – stronger than before – revealing a resilience that cannot be easily explained.

Because the strength she searched for was always within her.

She is a daughter. She is a wife. She is a mother. She is a friend. She is a mentor. She is an intercessor. She is someone who loves deeply and sacrifices quietly.

Motherhood did not end her dreams. In many ways, it ignited them.

In watching her journey, I realise that this quiet strength is not unique to her alone. It reflects the experience of countless women across the world, who nurture families, sustain communities, and carry responsibilities that often remain unseen.

The Catholic vision of womanhood begins with a profound truth found in the first pages of Scripture: God created mankind in His image; in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)

To every woman reading this: your courage matters. Your faith matters. The silent battles you fight are not unseen by God.

And to all of us – families, communities, and the wider Church – this moment invites reflection and action. Let us honour the women around us not only with words but with genuine appreciation and support. Let us create homes, parishes, and workplaces where women can flourish in their God-given gifts and vocations.

Because when women thrive, families flourish. When families flourish, communities grow stronger. And when communities reflect the dignity of every person, the world begins to resemble the Kingdom of God.

May we recognise those gifts, nurture them, and celebrate them – today and every day.