Religion and Climate Change in Africa: A gendered perspective

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the interface of religion, gender, and climate change in Zimbabwe. The writing of this chapter has been ignited by the ongoing climate change induced catastrophes such as cyclones and drought in Southern Africa. Cognizant of the pivotal role of religion in shaping people’s worldviews not only in Southern Africa but the rest of the continent, the chapter discusses how religion shapes people’s relationship with ecology. Informed by the African feminist theory, the chapter adopts a gendered perspective. It, therefore, discusses the intertwinement between African women’s experiences of patriarchy and the earth’s exposure to ecological degradation. Acknowledging the efficacy of fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 13, the chapter concludes by restating the importance for the church in Zimbabwe to adopt an agenda for gender empowerment and ecological stewardship.