An assessment of responses towards African women's theology in selected institutions in Kenya
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Date
2011-08-16
Authors
Okemwa, Pacificah Florence
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Abstract
This study is an assessment of responses to African Women's Theology in selected institutions. The study centres on why Feminist Theology which emerged in the developed countries of the West and has spread to other parts of the world under different labels has not been wholly embraced in Africa. It has focused on selected public institutions of higher learning and theological schools.
The main argument in this study is that, African Women's Theology has not been included in the Theology and Religious Studies curriculum of many institutions because the meaning of the term feminism commonly used is considered foreign. Besides, the methodology and concerns of this theology have not been wholly contextualized. The study selected some church-sponsored institutions of higher learning as well as public universities for our research. The data were gathered by use of oral interviews and questionnaires and library research among other methods. The overall data were then collated, analyzed, interpreted and presented in six chapters.
The study established that Feminist Theology in general and African Women's Theology in particular has been subordinated in most of the institutions. This is because it has also been seen as a foreign importation. To correct this, it is argued that African Women's Theology should be contextualized so as to highlight local societal concerns as opposed to Western theologies. More courses on African Women's Theology should also be taught at undergraduate and graduate levels.
The study argues that women in Kenya have concerns that arise from their unequal status in relation to men in society. The whole society suffers from subordination of gender issues in the academy as only male perspectives and participation are considered. It is therefore suggested that favourable recognition of gender perspectives will prepare service providers such as church ministers, teachers, managers and economists to readily explore and exploit female and male talents for the good of the whole community.
In light of the above, it is suggested that women theologians and gender sensitive male theologians need to campaign for the upgrading of the status of Women Theologies in general and African Women's Theology in particular and also participate in preparing appropriate curriculum. This will ensure that the whole society benefits from gender sensitive formation that prepares students for equitable regard of both women and men.
The study recommends that there is need to include African Women's Theology in the curriculum of all theological schools and institutions of higher learning that offer Theology and Religious Studies.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy school of humanities and social sciences Kenyatta University, August 2007
Keywords
Women--Religious aspects//Women theology--Africa//Feminist theology--Africa//Feminist theology--Kenya