Women Telling Their Own Biblical Stories

“Unless women tell their stories, someone else will tell it their way.” This is the motto of a new group of women theologians who are shedding light on gender inequality in the church.

In 2009, most of the 2 million members of the United Church of Zambia, World Renew’s local partner, were women, but almost all of its pastors and other leaders were men. This gender imbalance is often used to perpetuate inequality in the church and even gender-based violence in Zambian society.

In response, the Community Development and Social Justice Department of the UCZ collaborated with the Circle for Concerned African Women Theologians (established in 1989) to discuss women’s leadership. Despite the challenging environment of predominantly male church leadership, the theologians started a group for Zambian women to provide mentorship and encourage women to delve into Scripture and understand what it says about women. There are 25 members so far.

In July 2024, the group published two books: When Valor Is Silenced and Reading Ruth as a Site of Struggle. The books contextualize stories of women in the Bible—including Ruth and the woman of valor described in Proverbs 31—that have often been misunderstood and used to perpetuate gender-based violence.

“I must say that I am very grateful for this mentorship program,” said Mable Sichali, World Renew’s partner staff. “I will continue being part of this progressive group for my continuous improvement until I am able to write my own book.” Sichali’s book is already in the works.

The materials created in this group are being used to lead devotions and raise awareness about gender-based violence in Zambian communities. The group anticipates that its literature will help awaken the church to gender inequality and create more leadership opportunities for women.

Please pray that World Renew and its partners will continue to find ways to help communities embrace all members as image bearers of God. Through the examination of the stories of women in Scripture with an astute, theologically rigorous lens, the truth that all people are deserving of love and respect comes to light.