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Gender and Sexuality

The role of Circle women in curbing violence against women and girls in Africa

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The article looks at the role Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (the Circle) have
played in the struggle to end or reduce the rate at which violence against women and girls
occurs in West Africa by highlighting the contributions of older Circle women, especially
the initiator of the Circle, Mercy Amba Oduyoye. The initiator of the Circle and other older
Circle women have left a remarkable legacy that needs to continue by the current and future
generations of the Circle. The background information examines the leadership and mentorship
of Mercy Amba Oduyoye and the impact she has made in the lives of African women.
The essay then looks at the types of violence that women face in West Africa with the specific
contributions of Circle women in the struggle to end violence against women and girls. It then
argues that Circle women have played very significant roles both in setting the pace and giving
the platform for women activities to minimise gender-based violence against women and
girls. Circle women have written and presented papers that have addressed many challenges
including HIV and/or AIDS, Girl Child trafficking, Marriage of Minors, and almost all kinds
of violence against women and girls. Currently, religious violence threatens the fabric of
African nations causing insecurity and panic, women and girls being the most vulnerable.
The challenge to the present and future Circle members is to contribute in significant ways
towards religious harmony in Africa and beyond. The Circle acknowledges the leadership role
of women and encourages them to spearhead the liberation of women as well as empower
them to be able to aspire to get to the top or become independent. No one understands what
someone else feels better than the person experiencing the ordeal. Women can better understand
what they go through and also have the passion to strive towards liberation.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In this article, the discipline of
practical theology combines with elements of social science and Gender Studies, bringing out
the Circle’s contribution towards the eradication of religious and cultural and gender violence
against women and girls in Ghana and Africa.

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Publication Information
: Verbum et Ecclesia.,
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Language
English
ISSN
2074-7705
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Article
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