Gender Equality and Women Economic Empowerment: An Analysis of ZAOGA FIF Church in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Despite fact that gender equality and socio-economic position of women continues impugned in religious companionship, this research ascertains that Faith Based Institutions have been auxiliary in addressing gender inequality and economic disempowerment of women in Zimbabwe. To that note, ZAOGA FIF has consolidated gender equality through ordaining women as deacons; elders; pastors; bishops; evangelists and overseers. Through talents, women are entrusted to execute both formal and informal businesses from a religious background. Equally important, these talents have accomplished and provoked the consciousness of women capabilities. Mammoth scholarship by Professor E.H Guti (Church founder) provided much needed secondary data. Purposive sampling was employed to acquire information from five key informants from church leadership in Masvingo’s five districts. Findings indicate that ZAOGA FIF’s doctrine and practice of working using own hands among both sexes is not just a biblical debrief, but has advanced much towards poverty extermination in church and communities. This article accedes that women economic empowerment issues should be understood after comprehending historical development of talents.