THE CHALLENGE OF CHRISTIAN FEMINISM IN URHOBOLAND

Abstract

The emergence of feminism and the women's empowerment movement has brought to the mainstream the understanding that women have been oppressed and denied some fundamental basic rights in almost all societies. Factors that have contributed to discrimination against women include literal and fundamentalist interpretations of religious texts, the existence of patriarchy, stereotyped gender roles, lack of adequate women-to-women solidarity, etc. The phenomenon of discrimination against women is present in Urhoboland as in other societies. While some may claim what is done against women does not amount to discrimination, the fact remains that women are denied some rights because of their sex and identity as women. This paper argues that the values of Christian feminism should be applied to culture and society in Urhoboland. It shows that in light of patriarchy and other factors, Christian feminism will face challenges in its application in Urhoboland. Through critical analytic and hermeneutics methods the paper argues that the principles of Christian feminism should be used to critique Urhobo culture. The paper finds that there is a lack of gender equality in Urhoboland. It concludes that if the values of Christian feminism are applied in Urhoboland, it will help to create a more egalitarian society in Urhoboland.