Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by Subject "AIDS (Disease) -- Africa, Southern"

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    A critical evaluation of the gendered nature of HIV and AIDS programs in medical missions of the Church of Christ, Mashoko Mission in Zimbabwe
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Mudzanire, Suspicion; Mbaya, Henry; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite collective efforts by government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other key stake holders to eradicate gender inequalities in health issues, gender remains a determining factor that intensifies the scourge of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. This study observes that gender disparities should be considered in inceptions of administrative structures of Churches, NGOs, state health systems and other stakeholders that combat the adverse socio-economic impact of the scourge. This investigation is motivated by the conviction that the church, in its missional endeavours, has a crucial role to play in alleviating the impact of both gender injustice and the HIV pandemic in church and the society. The research explores, from a missional and a feminist perspective, the gendered nature of the HIV and AIDS programs offered in medical missions of the Church of Christ at Mashoko Mission in Zimbabwe. The aim being to assess how the programs are framed for a gender sensitive healing ministry, which is a dimension of the all-inclusive missio Dei. The study takes gender justice as a missional issue that implores high priority attention from the church. The study attempts to point out some gender mainstreaming achievements and gaps in the HIV and AIDS programs at Mashoko Christian Hospital (MCH). It further discusses some implications of the gendered nature of the HIV and AIDS programs for the all-inclusive missio Dei. The findings of the research indicate that the gender disparities in the HIV and AIDS programs mirror the societal perceptions as well as teachings and praxis of the church. While the gender imbalances exacerbate the impact of HIV and AIDS, the epidemic intensifies the deeply ingrained gender disparities in the society. However, some institutionalised socio-cultural, economic and religious factors fuelling gender disparities, such as patriarchy and gendered labour practices, are both preventable and manageable. In light of the mandate of the church in the all- inclusive missio Dei, these factors require the church to play a leading role in fighting both gender injustice and the HIV pandemic. Further, the study attempts to forward some recommendations to the church based on the findings of the research. The recommendations are meant to sustain and enhance gender justice achievements as well as proposing potential strategies to bridge the gender sensitivity gaps in the HIV and AIDS programs offered in the medical missions of the Church of Christ at MCH and probably to the rest of Zimbabwe. The respect for equal human dignity and the all-inclusive missio Dei can be the basis for seeking to achieve the long overdue gender justice in the ongoing battle against the epidemic. In the end, the study also raises some points for further research in the area of Christian mission in relation to gender and HIV and AIDS.