The Suppression of Women by Religion: A Kenyan Example

Abstract

Religion is one of the social phenomena that has powerful grip on human beings. The recent resurgence of religious revivalism and fundamentalism in many countries in the world seem to prove resistance to postmodern secularization and challenges against the relevance of religion in human society. Here in Kenya, preachers of various religious affiliations use lunch break sessions to communicate God’s word to ready listeners. Unfortunately, horrific historical accounts of witch hunt and inquisition against heretics, torture and death in the West, and the constant conflict between Hindus and Muslims in Indian history, reveal the conflicting nature of religion. In Kenyan history, certain rituals which seemed obsolete are perpetuated by religion as part and parcel of culture.  This is because, the interrelatedness of religion and human culture can hardly be denied. Today, we can look back, and question some of the atrocities done in the past in the name of religion and those which are still affecting society in our time. It is possible to navigate this trajectory of criticism because of the influence of modernity since the emergence of French Revolution which questioned orthodox Christianity in the West; even though it was not until early 19^th Century when orthodoxy and its tradition became open to criticism. It is however, not only Christian Religion that has subjugated women, but all religious traditions have oppressed women without giving them proper recognition  for self esteem; let alone excluding them from active contribution to the formation of cultural meaning and recognition of their society. Kenyan women, for example, rarely contributes in major issues. Religion on its own does not subjugate women, because, its oppression stems from the understanding that it is religion which establishes social norms and creates androcentric conceptual framework for patriarchy. This article employs the phenomenological stipulative understanding of religion to answer the emic and etic concerns of the meaning of religion both from theological and sociological dimensions to resonate with our topic of discussion. In analyzing and contextualizing this topic, the article includes the following common areas:

• Biased theological teaching and or traditions.
• Prejudiced  moral interpretations.
• Androcentric cultural and social fallacies perpetuated by religion.
• Restricted opportunities for women religious leadership.

To facilitate this discussion, we administered a questionnaire to groups from religious affiliations apart from teachers of religion and preachers.

Keywords: Religion, Women, Gender, Feminism, Subjugation/ Oppression; Androcentric/ Patriarchy, Moral and Tradition.