Mapping East and Central African Feminist Theologies

Abstract

The Circle of concerned African women theologians (hereafter the Circle) was founded on the 25th September 1989 in Accra, Ghana. The Circle is a contemporary network of women from across Africa, some of whom live outside Africa. It is a voluntary movement, whose work often takes place within regional meetings. The Circle was inaugurated in order to facilitate the writing, research and publication by a Pan-African multi-religious and multiracial network of women. Within the Circle is the open acknowledgement and appreciation of differences, therefore, there is a focus to work hand in hand, and not in division or strife. According to Hinga, the Circle is concerned with voicing protests against sexism and its roots in religion and culture (Hinga 1996: 31). The Circle seeks to develop women’s theological contribution in Churches, Schools, Colleges, Universities and in the society and therefore be agents of change in both customary and modern legislation. The Circle places emphasis on the impact of Religion and culture upon African women. It remains a community of African women theologians who come together to discuss issues of common concerns based on their experiences in their different religions and cultures.