Christian Femininity in Independent Africa

This chapter explores the concept of Christian femininity in independent Africa through an examination of the literature of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians. The chapter shows how the role of African women has evolved over time, both in the church and in the society. Despite significant challenges, African women have managed to engage with culture and tradition and create an environment in which they can exercise freedom of choice and agency to critique cultural and religious traditions in Africa. The chapter focuses in particular on the role of women in shaping gender roles in households and communities, on the gendered nature of rituals and rites of passage in Africa, on the struggle for ordination and leadership of women in the church, and on their contribution to health and the well-being of African women. It is evident that Christian women in modern, independent Africa defy traditional norms of femininity. Therefore, the chapter finds that women have played an important role in driving social change within the church and society at large, even when they faced structural and institutional constraints.