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.
Chammah J Kaunda is assistant professor at the United Graduate School of Theology, Yonsei University, Korean Republic and research fellow for the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR).
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
