Introduction
It is believed by some feminists that religion in general denigrates women and limits their freedom (Iman Hashim in Gender, Religion, and Spirituality). Religion is another source of women’s demotion and subordination, considering the way and manner in which women are often represented in religious texts and the frequency in which religion is used to justify and maintain men’s dominant position in society (Religion is Masculinity).
Many religious scholars, writers, and believers disagreed with the argument above. Most argued that religion has and continues to provide significant rights for women which are far more wide-reaching than the rights which earthly legal systems provide for female citizens. Many religious writers and believers are doubtful of feminists' ideas because they have seen feminists emphasizing equal rights (equality), which is at odds with their religious beliefs.
They (religious writers, believers, and scholars) strongly believed that there were specific roles and rights (gender roles) laid down in their holy books for men and women which reflected their particular strengths and weaknesses. Feminism strongly disagreed on the flipside of the coin.
Some use bible verses to explain and justify the dominant position of the husband over the wife. For example, Ephesians 5:22 & 23 (New World Translation of the Holy Bible) provides that "Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the lord," (23) because the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body".
Howsoever, in the creation story from the book of Genesis 2:20 (same version), "God saw that there was no helper as a compliment (a counterpart, a match, a balance, equality) for the man; therefore the woman was created to compliment the man as a helper, not a slave.
Religion and Feminism
Religion is usually defined as a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations generally. According to Emile-Durkheim in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, religion is defined as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things that set apart and forbidden beliefs and practices that unite into one single moral community called a church (not limited) for all those who adhere to them. Others believe that religion is the self-validation of society using myth and ritual.
Feminism is a range of social-political movements and ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism incorporates the position that societies prioritize the male point of view and that women are treated unjustly within societies.
Feminism is a range of political movements, ideologies, and social movements that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal to those for men. Feminist movements have campaigned and continue to campaign for women’s rights, including the right to vote and be voted for; the right to hold public office; to work; to earn fair wages or equal pay; to own property; to receive education; to enter into contracts; to have equal rights within marriage; and the right to maternity leave. Feminists have also worked to promote bodily autonomy and integrity and to protect women and girls from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Changes in dress and acceptable physical activity have often been part of the feminist movement "(Dr. Alphaeus Koroma-Understanding Basic Terms and Concepts in Gender-First Ed. P.141).
Considering the relationship between religion and feminism, the focus must be placed on the historical relationship between both. Their historical relationship is best described as one of conflict and mistrust, precluding that of gender equality. This tense relationship has continued and even intensified in today's African society.
Why Reconciling Feminism and Religion Now?
There is a belief that feminist ideas are western culture and are not applicable in Africa due to our religious beliefs, tradition, and culture. It is also strongly believed that feminists think that religion does not consider the role women play in religious organizations, and women are often placed at the back of the class. Most African women do not see religion as a source of constraint on them to keep them silent and submissive in everything.
For most women, religion is a source of hope and encouragement, and religion provides them with the protection needed from their abusive relationships or marriages, sexual violence, and other domestic violence, giving them lasting hope for a better future. It is almost of no effect that feminists’ ideas may take them from their strong religious beliefs and culture of hope and trust.
Reconciling religious ideas and beliefs with feminism is the best way to attain sustainable peace and development. If we merge feminists’ ideas and those religious ideas, it will produce inclusiveness in religion and sustainable development, peace and security, gender equality, education for all, and a united decision-making body in religion.
In conclusion, women’s rights are human rights and therefore protected by law. Fostering human rights in religion means fostering women’s rights in religion, which in turn leads to gender equality and sustainable development in religion. Therefore, women in any religion are there to compliment men. Therefore, their voices must not only be heard but must be actionable.
For far too long, women have been left out in decision-making regarding their faith and religion. It’s time to bring them to the table to participate in decision-making that involves, concerns, and touches them, which might affect their children in the future. We can only attain this by reconciling religious ideas with feminist ideas.
Kabia, Joseph Papa-Lee K
Feminist
2022
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