Engaging Ngezi Baptist Church on poverty alleviation among women with disabilities in Mhondoro Ngezi District

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.