Not Only Our Daughters: A Prayer for Women Throughout The World

As I approach the Shabbat of my daughter’s bat-mitzvah ceremony, I am grateful for how fortunate we are to raise our girls in a democratic society, yet saddened by the reality that millions of women and girls the world over are still treated as inferior because of their gender. The following is a prayer expressing gratitude for what those of us blessed with privilege and freedom can offer our daughters - and so too is it a prayer of protest and concern for those of us who cannot provide these things.

Not Only Our Daughters

God of Our Mothers and Fathers: We pray for a world where not only our daughters can go to school but where all daughters can get an education.

And we pray for a world where not only our daughters have the right to determine what happens to their bodies but where all daughters have self-determination.

We pray for a world where not only our daughters are protected from harassment and violence but where no one’s daughter is subjected to these things.

And we pray for a world where not only our daughters are brought up to believe that they can pursue any career they wish but where all daughters are taught to believe this.

We pray for a world where not only our daughters can dress according to their standard of what is appropriate but where everyone’s daughter can do so.

And we pray for a world where not only our daughters can have the basic freedom to drive a car and travel independently but where these things are recognized as fundamental rights for all human beings.

We pray for a world where not only our daughters will be valued for logic more than looks, but where everyone’s daughter will be valued this way.

And we pray for a world where not only our daughters but everyone’s daughter will have the right to vote and the chance to serve in public office.

We pray for a world where not only our daughters but all daughters will have an equal voice, earn equal pay, and experience equal rights.

And we pray that not only our daughters but everyone’s daughter will be treated with dignity, civility, and respect. May this be our blessing, their blessing, and everyone’s blessing.

As men and women together let us say: Amen.