Exploring the position of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe: A Case study of Zvishavane District

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.