The Power of Religion in Zimbabwe and How It Can Help Women who Menstruate

For a Zimbabwean woman being a member of a church group is as normal as having a family. The predominant religions are Protestant Christianity and Roman Catholic with 84.1% of the population following a denomination of Christianity. The African Independent Apostolic Church has over 1 million followers and is an interesting blend of local tradition with Christianity. Most of the members are women and whilst there is an inequality within the church that allows only for men to be leaders, the role of women in the church goes largely unchallenged. Wearing white is compulsory during church services to show purity, light and cleanliness. Polygamy and polygamous marriage is acceptable. There is an emphasis on healing within the church and, until recently, modern medicine has been mostly rejected. Virginity testing does still happen, and girls may be married off to older men with multiple wives.

According to Jules-Rosette (1987) women in the church are the bearers of the church’s belief system, even though they are not allowed to be church leaders and in fact the church’s belief system is what represses them.

The point of writing this is not to judge the Apostolic Church for its belief systems but rather to highlight the power of its voice and to understand the importance of religion in Zimbabwe and indeed, worldwide. The voice of religion speaks louder and to more people than any other. Men and women listen to and respond to church leaders.

If we are to create change in the field of menstrual health then what better way than to call upon the leaders of the Churches to acknowledge the importance of menstrual health on education, equality, good health and the environment. To support its members in achieving education and understanding around menstrual health and to help provide safe, sustainable product, such as the Viva Lily menstrual cup, that promote well being, confidence, freedom and happiness.