The Ethics of Liberation of Rosemary Nkoyo Edet and Peggy Mulambya-Kabonde

Recognizing the subjugation of women in various spheres of life and empowered by their theological prowess, Rosemary Nkoyo Edet and Peggy Mulambya-Kabonde became catalysts for social transformation, dedicating themselves to dismantling oppressive systems and promoting gender equality. Employing an interdisciplinary methodology that intertwines autobiographical narratives, cultural anthropology, and theological analysis, this chapter examines how these prominent matriarchs addressed the subjugation of women. Rosemary Edet’s emancipatory paradigm scrutinizes colonial patriarchal dominance in Africa. She unfolds a relational Christological identity of Jesus as a Friend, Liberator, Healer, and Life-giver. She avers that Jesus offers the fullness of life for all humanity, irrespective of gender, sex, or class. Peggy Kabonde, in turn, challenges the prevailing hierarchical ecclesiological model, advocating for a more egalitarian roundtable ecclesiology that emphasizes unity in diversity and equal opportunities in ministry, for all Christ’s faithful. She deconstructs the normative patriarchal norms, redefines women’s self-identity, and fosters inclusivity and equal partnership within pastoral framework that actively contribute to societal transformation. Edet’s and Kabonde’s thoughts on gender justice constitute an enduring source of inspiration for the ongoing pursuit of liberation by the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, African feminist liberation ethics, and human rights activists in the globalized society.