Women and Religion in Zimbabwe: Strides and Struggles

The chapters in this volume explore the ambivalent role of religion and culture in African women's health and well-being, highlighting how religious beliefs and practices can either enhance or hinder their progress and development. Contributors advocate for gender-inclusive and life-enhancing interpretations of religious and cultural traditions in Africa, aligning with the goals of gender justice and women empowerment outlined in the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The chapters in this volume explore the complex relationship between religion and culture in African women's health and well-being. Reflecting on the three major religions in Africa – African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, and Islam – the authors highlight how religious beliefs and practices can either enhance or hinder women's holistic progress and development. With a specific focus on Zimbabwean women's experiences, the volume discusses how African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, and Islam tend to privilege men and understate the value of women in Africa. Contributors adopt diverse theological, ideological, and political positions to restate the fact that the key teachings of different religions, often suppressed due to patriarchal influences, are a potent resource in the quest for gender justice. In sync with the goals for gender justice and women empowerment envisioned in the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, the contributors advocate for gender-inclusive and life-enhancing interpretations of religious and cultural traditions in Africa.

The chapters in this volume delve into the intricate relationship between religion and culture in African women's health and well-being. Reflecting on the three major religions in Africa – African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, and Islam – the authors shed light on how religious beliefs and practices can either enhance or hinder women's holistic progress and development. With a specific focus on Zimbabwean women's experiences, the volume explores how African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, and Islam tend to privilege men and devalue the role of women in Africa. Contributors offer diverse theological, ideological, and political perspectives to underscore the fact that the core teachings of different religions, often suppressed by patriarchal influences, hold immense potential in the pursuit of gender justice. Aligned with the objectives of gender justice and women's empowerment outlined in the United Nations Agenda 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, the contributors advocate for gender-inclusive and life-affirming interpretations of religious and cultural traditions in Africa.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 226 x 162 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666903317