Women and Religion in Zimbabwe

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.

Introduction: Women and Religion in Zimbabwe and the Role of Men

Ezra Chitando, Sophia Chirongoma, and Kudzai Biri

Chapter One

Harnessing Ndau Religious and Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Practices for Celebrating Women Power in Zimbabwe

Macloud Sipeyiye &Elias G. Konyana

Chapter Two

Rural Women Utilizing African Indigenous Religion(s) in Environmental Conservation: A Case of Mutasa Area in Mutare

Tracey Chirara

Chapter Three

Reconfiguring Lost African Religious Tradition: A Feminist Inquiry into Pre-colonial Gender Construction and Its Impact on Shona Society in Post-colonial Zimbabwe

Dudzirai Chimeri

Chapter Four

African Traditional Religious Women and Reproductive Health: The Case of Mutasa Rural in Mutare

Tracey Chirara & Tabona Shoko

Chapter Five

Woman thou art Cursed? The Case of SARE in Shona Culture

Mavis Muguti & Tawanda Mbewe

Chapter Six

Imagining a Church with Equal Opportunities among the Clergy: A Theological and Cultural Dilemma in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe

Martin Mujinga

Chapter Seven

Leadership Struggles in the Church: Interfacing and Theologizing the Leadership of Women Clergy in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ)

Peter Masvotore & Lindah Tsara

Chapter Eight

From Exclusivism to Inclusivism: The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) Rules and Regulations Relating to Women

Simbarashe Munamati

Chapter Nine

Untying the Cords of Patriarchy: A Critique of Violence against Women and the Role of Pentecostal Women in Leadership Positions in Zimbabwe

Kudzai Biri

Chapter Ten

Cultures, Women and the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe

Francis Machingura & Joyline Gwara

Chapter Eleven

Unlocking Judges 13 to Advocate for Women’s Leadership in a Patriarchal System

Menard Musendekwa

Chapter Twelve

“Teacher, This Woman Was Caught in the Very Act of Committing Adultery” (John 8:4b):The Bible, Community, and Genderization of Sin; A Dialogue with the Social Identity Theory

Isheanesu Sextus Gusha

Chapter Thirteen

Young Christian Women as Agents of Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Murinye District, Masvingo

Sophia Chirongoma

Chapter Fourteen

Women’s Sexuality: A Tool for Media Advertising in Zimbabwe?

Chipo Mable Hatendi & Tapiwa Praise Mapuranga

Chapter Fifteen

Religio-Cultural Ideologies, Women and the Economy: Gender Inequality in the Mining Sector in Zimbabwe

Tariro Zhou

Chapter Sixteen

The Currency that Buys Peace: Reparation in Gabriel García Márquez’s The Sad and Incredible Tale of Innocent Eréndira and her Heartless Grandmother (1972) and Charles Mungoshi’s ‘Sacrifice’ (1997)

Barbara C. Manyarara

Chapter Seventeen

Towards Women Empowerment in Africa: Insights from the Capability Approach

Kevin Shijja Kuhumba

Chapter Eighteen

Help/Hindrance? The Role of Religion in Women’s Participation in Politics in Zimbabwe

Kudakwashe Bryson Kabaira & Blessed Simbarashe Matsita

Chapter Nineteen

Ring or Title: Examining the Role of the Church in the Land Co-Ownership Clause Advocacy in Uganda

Christine Nakyeyune

About the Contributors