The Role of Religion in Intersectionalized Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ISRHR) for Adolescents and Youth on the Margins

Introduction

Christianity is an influential religion in Zambia, it is embedded in the constitution as the state religion, and it is an important aspect of the socio-cultural fabric. There are various Christian denominations within Zambia, the largest being Catholic followed by the United Church of Zambia and Pentecostal churches. According to Operation World[1], in 2010 Pentecostals in Zambia numbered 3.414 million (25.8 percent of the total population), and Evangelicals lower at 3.406 million (25.7 percent). Drawing on two trainings that the Circle implemented this year 2023 with the youth in April and clergy in June, this article demonstrates that the religious and cultural landscape of Zambia is necessary for youth to access Intersectional Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights ISRHR.

Circle Advocacy

The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians has been in existence since 1989 when it was launched in Accra Ghana. Dr Mercy Amba Oduyoye realized that African women were not represented in global religious spaces and began to search for women in church, seminaries, bible schools and universities. In 1989, 69 African women from all over Africa met in Accra Ghana to inaugurate the Circle. Mercy Oduyoye and Musimbi Kanyoro argued in 1992, in the first book written by the Circle that “African women theologians have come to realize that as long as men and other foreign researchers remain the authorities on culture, rituals, and religion, African women will continue to be spoken of as if they are dead”.[2] Thus, one of the tenets of the Circle is to showcase African women’ and girls’ experiences with religion and culture. Men and boys are also part of the focus of the Circle although the priority is women and girls. Many male theologians are referred to as ‘friends of the Circle’. The Circle has chapters in many African countries across the African continent, as well as diaspora chapters in Europe and North America. The Circle aims to put Pan African women on the global spectrum and also to rewrite/re-right their history, which is often referred to as HER-STORY. The works of lobby and advocacy has been through teaching, research, writing, publishing and conferencing on African women’s experiences with faith communities, HIV and AIDS, SRHR, economics, politics etc.

The Role of Religion in Adolescents and Youth Access to SRHR

Since Christianity is an important aspect of the Zambian socio-cultural fabric, it is important to create a relationship with clergy in conversations around SRHR. In a constitutionally Christian nation like Zambia, clergy are vital duty bearers that need to be on board the health issues especially as it relates to vulnerable young people. The Circle has researched the clergy’s roles in various issues over the years and continues to embrace and grapple with how religious leaders can join forces with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and various stakeholders in bringing positive transformation on various issues that affect nations and faith communities. As a part of the Make-Way Consortium, the Circle has intentionally focused on the religious, gender, and cultural aspects that negates vulnerable adolescents and youth from accessing ISRHR information and services and holistic health.

Thursdays in Black: Toward a World Without Rape and Violence

Thursdays in Black is another way the Circle advocates for SRHR. Wearing a black every Thursday with a badge and a black T-shirt with the statement above in bold. Some adolescents and youth have experienced sexual violence and Thursdays in Black advocates for an end of any form of violence. It is also hoped that the youth can reach out to those wearing these T-shirts and badges and seek for information around SRHR or assistance of where they can get assistance and information on sexual health.

The Circle mobilized 22 clergy from various denominations to lobby and advocate for adolescents and youth sexual reproductive health and rights. Clergy have an influence on the young people in the churches and within communities. It is therefore important for clergy to use their influence in supporting young people make informed decisions around SRHR. Teenage pregnancies are not only affecting those who are not in churches, it is also within the walls of the churches. Like HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, early marriages, the church and clergy need to engage conversations that are life-giving for adolescents and youth to access SRHR information and services. The Church would be the best safe space for young people to ask questions, share their experiences, and reflect on SRHR without fear of being judged.

The 22 clergy that gathered on 23^rdJune 2023 at Nomads court lodge, reflected on their capacity, role and potential as clergy in supporting adolescents and youth access to information on ISRHR. The representation was from Anglican Church, United Church of Zambia, Presbyterian, Church of Central African Presbyterian Church, and various Pentecostal churches. In their responses, the Clergy acknowledged that the issue on SRHR has been ignored in churches but it is time for the churches and clergy to begin joining that conversation. They further invited the Circle to start visiting their respective churches to speak to the young people because Christian youth are also vulnerable and lack information to assist them in making informed decisions around SRHR. When asked if they speak openly on SRHR issues in their churches, 12 clergy raised their hands and stated that SRHR issues start from ‘our’ homes, hence, they discuss these issues with their own children at their various homes. Others shared that it is not easy to have these conversations between parents and children.

The clergy acknowledged that they need assistance in sharing SRHR information with the youth in their respective congregations. Clergy are not only called to minister to the spiritual needs but social, political, economic needs as well because the spiritual aspect of human life is not apart from the social, economic, cultural wellbeing. A holistic ministry therefore requires that clergy be able to reach and speak to those needs as well. Various scholars have noted that in Africa there is no division between the sacred and the secular, they both form an important socio-cultural fabric (Mercy oduyoye, John Mbiti).

In April, the Circle organized a two-day Intersectional See Judge Act capacity training for the CCG and their CPs in Zambia. The training workshop took place from 17th April 2023 to 18th April 2023 at Urban Hotel in Lusaka. The event was implemented in form of the Contextual Bible Study (CBS). Using the Intersectional See-Judge and Act as a framework to expose aspects of culture and sacred texts that have negative impact on adolescents and youth accessing SRHR. Two biblical texts were read: Judges 19 and 2 Samuel 13:1-22.

Utilizing the ISJA tool is part of the religious advocacy that informs how religious institutions and leaders can become part of the solution in implementing the Intersectional Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of adolescents and youths. The advocacy and activism were implemented through a community Intersectional See Judge Act (ISJA) study comprising Zambia CCG representatives, representatives from their collaborating partners, Make Way Youth panelists, health personnel, and some members from other organizations whose work deals mainly in reproductive health with the youths in Zambia. Participants were orientated to the contextual reading of a religious sacred text (the Bible) for social transformation and community engagement using the community ISJA toolkit.

[1] Jason Mandryk ed., Operation World, 7th ed. (Colorado Springs, CO: Biblica Publishing, 2010), 892–93.

[2] Oduyoye, Mercy and Musimbi Kanyoro. 1992. The Will to Arise: Women, Tradition, and the Church in Africa. New York, Orbis Books;(1).