Religion, Gender, and Wellbeing in Africa

Religion, Gender, and Wellbeing in Africa argues that religion and spirituality continue to occupy a central position in the relational and social experiences of many Africans and, as such, it is within a religio-spiritual framework that ideas and practices related to most African women and their wellbeing are interpreted and formulated.

Religion, Gender, and Wellbeing in Africa argues that, in many African societies, ideas and practices of wellbeing and gender relations continue to be informed and shaped by religious epistemologies. The contributors affirm that for many Africans, it is through religio-spiritual frameworks that daily experiences, interactions, and gender relations are understood and interpreted. However, for many African women, religions have functioned as a double-edged-sword. Although they have contributed to the struggle against issues such as colonialism, gender justice, climate justice, and human rights, they have also endorsed and perpetuated sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, and the denial of human rights for a wide variety of people on the margins. The chapters within this collection demonstrate that most religions and religious formations in Africa have not yet positioned themselves as forces for wellbeing, gender justice, and security for African women and children. The contributors challenge simplistic and superficial readings and interpretations of religio-spirituality in Africa and call for deeper engagements of the interplay between Africa’s religio-spiritual realities and the wellbeing of women, particularly around issues of gender justice, reproductive health, and human rights.

Introduction: Encountering “the Voice” of Wellbeing in African Contexts

Chammah J. Kaunda

Part I: Religion, Gender, and Public Health

Chapter 1: The Transferability of Selected Theologies of Isabel Apawo Phiri on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Care to Christian Women in Southern Malawi

Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler

Chapter 2: Pastoral Care and Social Support for Elderly Orphans in the Era of HIV and AIDS

Lucy Thokozile Chibambo

Chapter 3: Covid-19 and Violence against Women and Children in Zambia: A Gendered Perspective

Bridget Nonde Masaiti Mukuka

Chapter 4: Religion, Women’s Reproductive Health and Rights: Engagement of Religion in Implementation of The International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action (ICPD Poa)

Lydia Mwaniki

Chapter 5: The Role of Religion in Public Life: COVID-19 and Gender-based Violence in Kenya

Martin Munyao and Elizabeth Kithuka

Chapter 6: COVID-19, Masculinities, and Religion in South Africa

Buhle Mpofu

Part II: Religion, Gender, and Violence

Chapter 7: Restoring Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Abigail’s Model of Courage, Faith, Humility, and Forgiveness

Esther Lubunga Kenge

Chapter 8: Identity, Masculinity, and Contested Domains in Africa’s “Religious” Conflicts

Sokfa F. John

Chapter 9: Listening to the Voices from Below on Marital Violence and Silence: The Case of Judges 19

Sinenhlanhla S. Chisale

Chapter 10: (Mis- or Re-)Interpretation of Islam Sacred Text, Marriage, and Spirituality

Sindile Ngubane-Mokiwa

Chapter 11: Pentecostalism, African Tradition, and Singleness in Zimbabwe

Kudzi Biri

Chapter 12: Politics of Spousal Shaving of Pubic Hair: The Narrativity of Bemba Marriage and Hidden Violence Against Women

Mutale Mulenga-Kaunda

Chapter 13 The Impact of Theological Education of Pastors’ Wives in the Baptist Convention of Malawi (BACOMA)

Molly Longwe

Conclusion: Isabel Apowa Phiri on Religion and Wellbeing in Africa

Julius M. Gathogo and Chammah J. Kaunda