Women, Religion and Leadership in Zimbabwe, Volume 1: An Ecofeminist Perspective (Palgrave Studies in African Leadership)

Zimbabwe has invested in women's emancipation and leadership while articulating a strong Pan-Africanist ideology, providing a valuable entry point into understanding the dynamics relating to women's leadership in Africa. It is also characterised by radical religious pluralism, thereby facilitating an appreciation of the impact of religion on women's leadership in Africa more generally. This volume reflects on the role of Zimbabwean women in religio-cultural leadership. It opens with an expansive literature review on leadership, with a specific focus on African women's leadership in the context of global studies on leadership. The chapters then discuss the unique Zimbabwean women's leadership roles in ecological conservation. Topics include disaster management, the SDGs, and ecological stewardship. The book closes with examining women's leadership among adherents of African Indigenous Spirituality, such as among the Shona and Ndau ethnic groups. It will appeal to scholars across management, women's studies, religion, and cultural studies contemplating on African women's leadership in religion as well as other areas of life. Molly Manyonganise is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at the Zimbabwe Open University. Her research interests comprise religion and politics, gender and religion, religion and sexuality, African Indigenous Religion(s) as well as African Christianity. Ezra Chitando is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Zimbabwe. Sophia Chirongoma is Senior Lecturer in the Religious Studies Department at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. Her research interests and publications focus on the interface between culture, ecology, religion, health and gender justice Praise for Women, Religion and Leadership in Zimbabwe, Volume 1 Contents Notes on Contributors 1 Introduction: Women, Religion and Leadership in Zimbabwe Introduction The Context Promises and Challenges: Religion and Women’s Leadership Women’s Leadership in Religion Leading to Women’s Leadership in the Community? Some Proposals Chapters in This Volume Part I: Zimbabwean Women’s Leadership in Ecological Conservation Part II: Religio-Cultural Factors Impacting Women’s Leadership Roles in Zimbabwe Conclusion References Part I Zimbabwean Women’s Leadership in Ecological Stewardship 2 Theorising African Women’s Leadership: An Overview Introduction Theories of Leadership: A Summary African Women’s Leadership Impediments to African Women’s Leadership Theories of African Women’s Leadership: An Overview Daring to Lead: An Overview of the Areas of African Women’s Leadership Conclusion References 3 The Leadership of Ndau Women in Healing the Earth Utilising Religio-Cultural Resources: An African Ecofeminist Perspective Introduction Conceptual Framework: African Ecofeminism Definition of Key Terms Oikos Theology Environment Women Statement of the Problem Methodology Results and Discussion The Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents in the Ndau Community African Indigenous Religion as the Source of Environmental Justice Zviera (Taboos) Women as Leaders and Protectors of the Environment Women’s Agricultural Activities Prospects and Challenges of African Indigenous women’s Leadership and Agency on Environmental Justice Towards Ndau Oikos Theology: Ndau women’s Stewardship of the Earth Conclusion References 4 Affirming Positive Femininities Through Responsible Ecological Leadership and Stewardship in Rural Masvingo, Zimbabwe Introduction Self-Insertion The Global Ecological Crisis and Its Impact on Africa Challenges Facing Zimbabwean Women Today Defining Positive Femininities Women’s Leadership for Environmental Sustainability in African Independent Churches and African Indigenous Religions in Zimbabwe Conclusion References 5 Zimbabwean Women’s Leadership and Religio-Cultural Resources in Navigating Risk and Disaster Management: Some Lessons from Cyclone Idai Introduction Cyclone Idai: A Devastating Natural Disaster That Struck Zimbabwe in March 2019 The Vulnerability of Women Women’s Leadership in Navigating Risk Reinforcing the Capacity of Women Minimizing the Vulnerability of Children Communicating Risk Basic Relief Essentials and Information Dissemination Why and How to Engage Women in Disaster Preparedness The Role and Impact of Religion and Culture Recommendations Conclusion References 6 Towards Attaining the Sustainable Development Goals in Zimbabwe: Christian Women’s Leadership in Gwanda District Introduction Background to the SGDs’ Implementation in Zimbabwe The Strategies Adopted by the Zimbabwean Government to Achieve the SDGs SDG 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All at All Ages SDG 4: Empower Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls SDG 9: Build Resilient Infrastructure, Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation and Foster Innovation SDG 13: Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts Research Methodology Biblical Perspectives on Women and Women’s Leadership The Roles Played by Christian Women in Gwanda District Towards Attaining the Selected Six SDGs SDG 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All at All Ages SDG 4: Empower Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities SDG 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls SDG 9: Build Resilient Infrastructure, Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation and Foster Innovation SDG 13: Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts Recommendations Conclusion References Part II Religio-Cultural Factors Impacting Women’s Leadership Roles in Zimbabwe 7 Gender Discrepancies in Zimbabwean Religio-Cultural and Political Leadership: A Case Study of Young Christian Women in the Midlands Province Introduction Methodology Overview of the Zimbabwean NGP and Its Nexus with the Legal and Policy Frameworks Gender, Politics and Decision-Making Gender and Economic Empowerment Gender and Health Gender, Education and Training Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Conclusion References 8 Of Women’s Leadership in African Indigenous Spirituality: A Focus on the Ndau of South Eastern Zimbabwe Introduction Theoretical Framework Methodology Religion and Spirituality Concept of Women’s Leadership The Ndau of South Eastern Zimbabwe Ndau Women’s Leadership on the Socio-Cultural and Economic Sphere Ndau Women’s Leadership on the Religious and Political Spheres Conclusion References 9 Shona Women’s Leadership in Traditional Healing The Shona People and Their Socio-Religious Landscape Conceptual Background Shona Women Traditional Healers: A Gendered Cultural Conundrum The Home: A Shona Traditional Religious Communal Prerequisite Some Dynamics of Traditional Healing Management The Centrality of the Hut and the Attendant Utensils/Objects Bota reshupa (Herbal Porridge) Indigenous Therapies for Pregnant Women Indigenous Remedies for Mothers and Infants Other Feminine Domestic Items and Their Spiritual Significance Cultural Ethics and Healing: Caregiving in Traditional Healing The Use of Love Potions to Tame Men Re-empowerment of Women in Zimbabwe Conclusion References Index