God and Girls: A Case Study on the Linkages between Religion, Gender Equity and Education

Religion is a powerful factor in education choices. The role of religious leaders can be a critical influence on parents and children. This is particularly true in the case of girls, given the determinant role of religion in... [ view full abstract ]

Religion is a powerful factor in education choices. The role of religious leaders can be a critical influence on parents and children. This is particularly true in the case of girls, given the determinant role of religion in gender and social norms regulating girls' participation in social spaces. In Zimbabwe, 77% of the population self-identify as church-going Christians; out of these, 33% belong to the Apostolic sect. A study conducted by the DFID-funded IGATE project indicates that religious affiliation is a factor in girls’ enrolment and learning outcomes: Girls living in households where the caregiver identifies as belonging to the Apostolic sect or traditional religions are more at risk of poor learning outcomes. Qualitative data indicate that Apostolic leaders are often not supportive of girls’ education, particularly for adolescent girls; early marriage was cited as a common practice. In response to these findings, the project is engaging religious leaders through two umbrella church organisations, UDACIZA and EFZ, and conducting reflective trainings on gender, combining religious perspectives with UNICEF materials. Mobilised champions within the Apostolic community have been working with families to change ingrained practices, increasing attendance and changing perceptions about girls’ education. This paper will reflect on the results observed to date through case studies and a randomized controlled trial evaluation, analysing the importance and value of purposively engaging ‘hard to reach’ religious leaders in order to reach marginalised groups. The paper will include a discussion on how the findings may inform projects in other contexts as well.