https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/52 2026-04-08T13:28:35Z 2026-04-08T13:28:35Z Mugoni, Grinwell https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6727 2025-09-15T08:10:00Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Engaging Ngezi Baptist Church on poverty alleviation among women with disabilities in Mhondoro Ngezi District Authors: Mugoni, Grinwell Abstract: This study investigated the role played by Ngezi Baptist Church in Mhondoro Ngezi District to mitigate poverty in women with disabilities. The research employed focus group discussions with girls, women and men with and without disabilities in wards 1, 14, and 16 of Mhondoro Ngezi District. Interview instruments were given to pastors from the same wards. It emerged from the study that there are some positive traits within the Judeo-Christian and Shona cultural traditions inclusive. These positive traits include an understanding of inclusion of persons with disability as part of the society. However, the society (church included) has legitimised negative notions about disability. For example, religions as well as cultural beliefs use figurative or metaphorical language to bolster their views across. Furthermore, mental impairments or illness such as epilepsy are regarded as caused by witchcraft requiring medical intervention strategies like exorcism by special practitioners. The society has tended to perpetuate dominance, stigmatization, discrimination and exclusion of women with disabilities. It is suggested that the Zimbabwe Government and Civic Society could to carry out, enforce and implement legislatures that will assist women with disabilities. The church, using a feminist disability hermeneutical framework can influence a positive change towards the liberation and emancipation of women with disabilities. The investigation noted that disability is a societal construction. Women and girls with disabilities are subject to abuse, exclusion and discrimination as a result of the misconceptions and mythical traditional beliefs and practices. The church can harness its spiritual capital in its commitment to improving the well-being of women with disabilities.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Mugoni, Grinwell Dehwe, Tapiwa https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6726 2025-09-15T08:08:34Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploring the position of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe: A Case study of Zvishavane District Authors: Dehwe, Tapiwa Abstract: This research investigates the position of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. It was a case study of the Church of Christ, Zvishavane District. The main objective of the study was to explore the status of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, show challenges and areas where women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe are unfairly treated and to suggest strategies that can be implemented to enhance women’s participation on influential leadership positions, particularly focusing on the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. The main data collection tools were interview guides and questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by ordinary church members and face-to-face interviews were conducted with church leaders. The research also used the phenomenological approach to collect data. The research concluded that there is no equal participation between males and females in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. The study recommended that the gender activist groups should consider running programs that teach church-going women of their rights. The study also recommends church leaders to deliberate on gender mainstreaming in leadership positions without conditions. They should also consider revisiting and amending their church constitutions to allow full women participation in church activities and leadership positions.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Dehwe, Tapiwa Chiombera, Richard https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6725 2025-09-15T07:12:16Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Rethinking the Baptist tradition on women ordination: a case study of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe Authors: Chiombera, Richard Abstract: The whole thesis of this academic journey paper focuses on giving a second thought on the Baptist tradition within the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe by examining the following questions. Why the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe deny women ordination? What is the position of the church on women ordination? How do the Baptists generally view women in leadership positions? How has the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe made use of the scriptures in making a decision on women ordination? Is there any role of the local church in the ordination of women since the Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church and priesthood of all believers? How then is the church seemingly contradicting itself in its beliefs which are liberative, women accommodating and believed to be enacted from the scripture, but in practicality denying women ordination? The contextual bible study method will then be employed to probe the church to proper bible exegesis in a bid to probe for the inclusion of women in the ordination arena. The researcher used the method of surveying the history of the debate in the denomination vis-à-vis historical documents, confessional statements of faith, scholarly articles and books. Also, the writer tried to critically analyse the statements of faith and practice of the convention vis-à-vis their belief and understanding of the scripture. Relevant scriptures used to arrive at their conclusion on women’s ordination are also exegetically critiqued and evaluations are given. Major findings were; the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe as a church is against the ordination of women based on some scriptural texts which includes but not limited to some Pauline directives to the church in Ephesus and Corinth. However, the church has been called to task in this research to re-evaluate their stand on women on the pretext that their fundamental beliefs and practices in the priesthood of believers, autonomy of the local church are not affirmed and exercised when it comes to the issue before hand and their grave faulty interpretation of scripture which is at question.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Chiombera, Richard Ndou, Simbarashe Innocent https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4024 2022-06-27T13:49:05Z 2018-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing the contribution of World Vision and Kingdom Light Global Church (K.L.G.C) in light of sustainable livelihood framework : a case study of Beitbridge area Authors: Ndou, Simbarashe Innocent Abstract: This dissertation is an assessment of the effectiveness of the poverty alleviation strategies implemented by the World Vision and KLGC in the Tongwe area. The research was generally motivated by the individual concerns which have also influenced the focus of the project topic, the research problem as well as the area of study which is home to the writer. The central factor that has affected the writing of this academic paper was the ever growing need inside the Tongwe rural areas in Beitbridge regardless of the presence of the NGOs and church’s contributions towards poverty eradication. Such a large number of variables such as the absence of good infrastructure like roads, high level of illiteracy because of the insufficiency of schools, lack of viable wellbeing institutions (clinics and hospitals) in the surrounding areas, the absence of clean water as well as the high rate of unemployment in Zimbabwe which automatically inflict Tongwe areas. Tongwe is invested with a pool of domesticated animals which makes Matabeleland the backbone of cattle yet its people comprise the extensive level of the poorest in Zimbabwe. From the year 2000, the area has been graced by a large number of NGOs including the World Vision, churches like the KLGC and some independent well-wishers specialising in different programmes in different areas ranging from education, agriculture, food and non-food aid, health, conservation and advocacy. What matters most is that regardless of the growing number of establishments working towards the elimination of neediness, destitution is as yet escalating and widening day by day mostly with the deteriorating and bleeding country’s economic status. From the wholeness of the exploration, results show that the majority of the projects implemented concentrated much on relief than practical social amenities or development aid which matches the Sustainable Livelihood Framework approach demands. In their pursuit towards poverty eradication and sustainable development, the two institutions utilized the ordinary relief idea trickle down approach than the bottom up approach which to a certain degree miss the mark on them to enter the test of time struggle in accordance with the SDGs supposed outcomes. Lastly but not least, through recommendations from the author, the two institutions are recommended to utilize a more participatory approach which is holistic in view of the SLF approach in addressing poverty in Tongwe. The World Vision at large and the church needs to monitor and assess their projects of some loopholes that were identified right from the literature review through to the last words of these projects. Above all, the two foundations’ initiative towards alleviating destitution needs to be evaluated so that they may address the genuine issues that are the root causes of poverty.

2018-05-01T00:00:00Z Ndou, Simbarashe Innocent