Mary, like Jesus, is the source of Christian humanism

Christian humanism begins with Christ, who reveals man to man.

Christian humanism also begins with Mary, who is a uniquely human being. When we think of Mary, we must think not only of her virginal maternity, but also of her commitment to God's salvific work: her virginal maternity is but one particular form, eminent and unique to Mary, of her commitment to God's salvific work, of which she is the inspiring model for every human being.

Within Christian humanism, the distinctive case of women is also illuminated by the image of Mary as an active, energetic and trail-blazing figure.

Back in 1967, Paul VI said to African women, and through them to all women:

"Today, African women are asked to be ever more aware of their dignity as persons, their mission as mothers, and their rights as participants in social life and in the progress of the new Africa (...). The Church invites the women of Africa, as she invites women everywhere and of all times, to look at themselves in the Mother of God, Mary, whose life, as Saint Ambrose said, was such that she can be a model for all."(1) 

John Paul II developed this theme even further in his apostolic letter "Mulieribus dignitatem" (On the dignity of women) in 1988.

Marian Encyclopedia

Pope Saint Paul VI, apostolic letter "Africae Terrarum", 1967, § 36.