Exploring the Intersection of Gender and Christianity in Zimbabwe: Developmental Implications

Abstract

All socio-cultural institutions are pervaded around gender issues. They typically indisposition the way people of varying sexes perceive themselves, associate or portray with others at any given circumstance and time. In Zimbabwe gender matters affects things like social class, amassing of property, inheritance, behaviour, occupation and accountability, the family set up, and community at large. While Zimbabwe is patriarchal society, evidence shows that women and girls are vanquished and demoted to the milieu as mere objects rather than subjects in different spheres of life. This scenario has developed an indisposed correlation between men and women in the country’s societies because of the illusory disproportionate merit the males always have over their female counterpart. The dire tension has also deterred harnessing of both women and girls potentials in development process. Many people in Zimbabwe have embraced Christianity’s teachings and practices since its inception, thus shifting their cultural values and traits. Christian churches have multiplied phenomenally within the past century, and depict the few Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that endure operating even during armed conflict. Christian organisations have command and effect, for religion has the potential to influence behaviour, facilitate societal change, and provide societal solidarity and cohesion. Christianity’s conduct is a powerful resource for marginalized women and girls in Zimbabwe for they can fully participate in all spheres of life. In this connection, the study probed challenges and conflicts connected on gender questions and how the Christianity advent has accustomed other faith based organizations to interrogate the concern, so as to attain the comprehensive developmental practices and policies in Zimbabwe. Phenomenological research method was used to provide objective findings. Write-up upholds for a synchronous; holistic and committed viewpoint, by the Church to mitigate the gender difference. Though research focus is on Zimbabwe, findings can be universally applied in other varying contexts.