Women and Religion in Zimbabwe: Strides and Struggles

(Hardback)

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The chapters in this volume foreground the ambivalent role of religion and culture when it comes to African womens health and well-being. Reflecting on the three major religions in Africa, i.e. African indigenous religions, Christianity, and Islam, the authors illustrate how religious beliefs and practices can either enhance or hinder womens holistic progress and development. With a specific focus on Zimbabwean womens experiences of religion and culture, the volume discusses how African indigenous religions, Christianity, and Islam tend to privilege men and understate the value of women in Africa. Adopting diverse theological, ideological, and political positions, contributors to this volume 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.

Reviews

A comprehensive contextualized and contemporary resource on womens experiences and status in African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, and Islam cleverly nuanced with the role of men in Zimbabwe. It is a must-read for all researchers and anyone interested in religion and the wellbeing of women and men in African contexts and beyond.

Author Bio

Ezra Chitando serves as Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Zimbabwe and theology consultant on HIV for the World Council of Churches.

Sophia Chirongoma is senior lecturer in the religious studies department at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. She is also an academic associate/research fellow at the Research Institute for Theology and Religion (RITR) in the College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA).

Kudzai Biri is associate professor in the department of religious studies, classics, and philosophy at the University of Zimbabwe.