JOURNAL ARTICLE

Respect for Women: Lessons from the Shona, Tonga, Kaonde, Chewa, and Swahili Bantu Cultures of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania.

  • Published In: African Journal of Religion Philosophy & Culture (AJRPC), 2023, v. 4, n. 1. P. 91 1 of 3

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Phiri, Emmanuel 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how cultural resources from the Shona, Tonga, Kaonde, Chewa, and Swahili Bantu cultures of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania can contribute to combating gender-based violence against women. It highlights the ontological significance of the Bantu word "Musikana," which positions women as creators of children and accords them respect comparable to that given to God, though not worship. The study also explores matrilineal lineage systems, the practice of lobola (dowry), and the cultural importance of the home as spaces that traditionally confer respect and power to women. By drawing on these indigenous cultural elements, the article proposes "African solutions to African problems" as a means to address the persistent global pandemic of gender-based violence within African contexts, especially amid challenges faced by feminist discourse perceived as Western.

Additional Information

  • Source:African Journal of Religion Philosophy & Culture (AJRPC). 2023/06, Vol. 4, Issue 1, p91
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Language and Linguistics
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:2634-7636
  • DOI:10.31920/2634-7644/2023/v4n1a5
  • Accession Number:173133000
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of African Journal of Religion Philosophy & Culture (AJRPC) is the property of Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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