1,721,024 research outputs found
Troubling African Masculinities : In Conversation with Ezra Chitando
No full textEzra Chitando is one of the most prolific and erudite African scholars of our generation. He has to his credit, well-researched chapters, articles, and books on a wide range of topics in history, religion, and theology. Originally located within the African Traditional Religious Studies domain, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and his call to serve as Theology Consultant for the Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) connived to catapult Ezra into serious reflection on emerging issues and the signs of the times. Africa in general and Southern Africa, in particular, were the epicenter of HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS constituted the sign of the time and presented the most formidable challenges to the entire human family as well as the Church in Africa. EHAIA cut a niche for itself by stirring up the Churches through building pastoral and formal theological education competencies for HIV/AIDS responses, amongst other things. It is in this context that “EHAIA series” under the auspices of the World Council of Churches was produced to build HIV/AIDS-competent Churches. That men were also drivers of the pandemic was not a secret anymore. Their participation had become indispensable if HIV/AIDS were to be nipped in the bud. To that end, Ezra Chitando identified masculinities as one area for attention and exploration. This chapter investigates the contribution to scholarship that Ezra Chitando made, particularly in the realm of gender in general and masculinities in particular, their contexts, practical aspects and what came out as Ezra’s signature in his troubling of African masculinities in the many articles, chapters, and books he wrote on the theme
Appreciating Ezra Chitando : Husband, Father, Professor – Defender and Promoter of Equality and Equity for All
No full textSince the 1990s, there has been a growing realisation that gender polarisation does not promote girls' and women’s interests. Although critics, especially radical feminists or womanists, have argued that this trend is diluting women’s struggles, there are benefits to be gained from girls and women working with boys and men. While there are different, often competing forms of masculinities, it is important to identify and work together with progressive masculinities for positive transformation. This chapter discusses the theme in honour of Ezra Chitando, with particular reference to how his academic work has influenced his family’s pathways. Contrary to the past, where family settings were generally the bastions of patriarchy and male privilege, there are progressive men who have questioned old patriarchal traditions. They believe in social justice and transformation. Such men transform, challenge and confront cultural beliefs and practices that stifle social justice and oppress girls and women. They are willing to construct new and alternative masculinities based on equality. This chapter is an appreciation of the distinguished work of the feminist, Ezra Chitando, and an acknowledgement that girls and women need to strategically build alliances with progressive boys and men in order to ensure sustained
social transformation
Religion, Gender, and African Masculinities : Ezra Chitando Speaks
No full textThe study of religion, gender and African masculinities has come a long way. The contributions of African scholars of religion and theology are notable in this area. For example, the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians commonly referred to as ‘the Circle’ has done a lot in terms of engagement with discourses on religion and gender as well as challenging heteronormative notions of gender. The Circle has also interrogated the role of sacred texts in shaping gendered attitudes in ways that disenfranchises women. However, the Circle has noted that women’s struggles for liberation cannot be realized if men are left behind. Hence, it has always called for a two-winged theology that encompasses both genders. In this respect, the Circle has created space for men (whom it calls ‘friends of the Circle’) to participate in its activities of researching and publishing on issues of religion/theology and gender. One of the men who has journeyed with the Circle is Ezra Chitando. Throughout his academic journey with the Circle, he has offered moral and academic support to both women and men whose interest is in calling for the liberation of women from the shackles of patriarchy. As such, he has published extensively on issues of religion, gender and African masculinities. Therefore, in this chapter, we endeavor to present Ezra Chitando’s views based on an interview we had with him, on how far the study of religion, gender and African masculinities has gone, the achievements realized, lessons learnt and the future of the field. Our intention is to evaluate, critique and provide a way forward for the study of religion, gender and African masculinities
Triumphalist-futurity theologies in Africa : An essay in honour of Ezra Chitando
No full textTriumphalist-futurity theologies in the twenty-first century cannot be viewed simply as American prosperity theologies of success and self-esteem, as the former goes beyond the concerns of the latter. Rather, they address the African agenda from an all-embracing perspective, a phenomenon that cuts across denominational divides. Seen as one of the leading African voices, Professor Ezra Chitando comes out as the proverbial Giraffe that is able to see far and caution the other bona fide members of the ‘jungle’ to escape the emerging ‘fires’ and keep hope buzzing with a triumphalist futurity in mind. In this treatise, I argue that despite the lack of ‘confession’, Chitando is within the paradigm of triumphalist-futurity perspective, as he addresses the African agenda with great urgency and confidence. A review of Chitando’s works will demonstrate that the twenty-first century trajectory in theo-social discourses is hypothetically bending towards triumphalist-futurity motif. Is this an Afro-optimism trend that is informing the current trends, and is this the ‘ideal’ hour for this? Do they have the capacity to act contextually and eventually deliver the promise? Methodologically, this write-up does not focus on Chitando as a person, rather, it strives to survey the various trends that agree with his overall motif in order to understand triumphalist-futurity theologies in Africa
Religion, Gender and Masculinities in Africa : Essays in Honour of Ezra Chitando
No full textSince many years, Professor Ezra Chitando is an excellent scholar and dedicated activist, whose personal experiences, cultural and religious influences, and commitment to justice and partnership, shape his work on religion, gender, and African masculinities. Chitando has made meaningful contributions to social justice and academic scholarship in various disciplines. His scholarship transcends the confines of academia, bringing about positive change and lasting impact in Church and society. In this Festschrift, more than forty authors (family members, friends, and colleagues) from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Germany, and Botswana honour Chitando’s academic and societal achievements, and carry on his struggle for redemptive gender roles and justice for all.
The editors and authors: Vengesai CHIMININGE, Excellent CHIRESHE, Sophia CHIRONGOMA, Akatendeka E. CHITANDO, Anna CHITANDO, Mutsawashe CHITANDO, Tinevimbo CHITANDO, Musa W. DUBE, Julius GATHOGO, Enna S. GUDHLANGA, Masiiwa R. GUNDA (ed.), Beverley HADDAD, Anniegrace HLATYWAYO, Bernard P. HUMBE, Esther HUMBE, Susan M. KILONZO, Joachim KÜGLER (co-ed.), Paul L. LESHOTA, Francis MACHINGURA, Angeline M. MADONGONDA, Clemence MAKAMURE, Molly MANYONGANISE (ed.), Matthew MARE, Happinos MARUFU, Sarah Y. MATANGA, Tawanda MATUTU, Kenosi MOLATO, Terrence MUPANGWA, Tenson MUYAMBO, Nelly MWALE, Linda NAICKER (ed.), Zandile L. NGUBANE, Sonene NYAWO, Beatrice OKYERE-MANU, Isabel A. PHIRI, Fortune SIBANDA, Thandi SOKO-DE JONG, Lovemore TOGARASEI, Lindah TSARA, Gerald O. WEST
Rallying Africa (especially African men) for HIV response : A bird’s eye view of the theological work of Ezra Chitando on HIV & AIDS
No full textThat Africa has been hardest hit by the HIV pandemic is beyond doubt or debate. What Africa has done in response still needs documentation and analysis. Although AIDS related deaths have decreased significantly since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy and its free roll out by many African governments, the pandemic remains a cause for concern and worthy of attention. HIV remains a serious health and developmental challenge. What role has Africa played over the past more than 30 years of living with HIV & AIDS? This is the question this chapter attempts to address by focusing on the work of one African man, Ezra Chitando, of the World Council of Churches and the University of Zimbabwe. Specifically, the chapter considers how, through socially engaged scholarship, he has rallied African biblical scholars, theologians, philosophers, religious studies scholars, and all other stakeholders (especially focusing on men) to respond to HIV
COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION: AN APPLICATION TO A STUDY OF GOSPEL MUSIC IN ZIMBABWE
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The deployment of a 'sacred song' in violence in Zimbabwe: The case of the song 'Zimbabwe Ndeye Ropa Ramadzibaba' (Zimbabwe was/is Born of the Blood of the Fathers/Ancestors) in Zimbabwean Politics
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