​​​For centuries, the Bible has been interpreted in ways that subjugated, oppressed and disempowered women from all walks of life. Through her research, Dr Funlola Olojede from the Gender Unit in the Faculty of Theology tries to show how traditional and androcentric interpretations of the Bible continue to harm women in different African contexts.

As part of South Africa's Women's Month celebrations, she tells us about how her work is making a difference in the lives of women.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research in gender studies focuses on a feminist interpretation of the Old Testament from an African perspective. It is also concerned about issues of ethics and the importance of context in reading the Scriptures.

Why or how did you become interested in this specific area of research?

I have witnessed first-hand, as a female minister of the Gospel and a pastor, the harmful effects of traditional and androcentric interpretations of the Bible on women in (South) Africa – in family settings, in the workplace, in church hierarchies and in public service, which translate into imbalance in issues of income, power distribution, employment opportunities, etc. Therfore, I came to the conclusion that tackling these issues would require a systemic overhaul of traditional theoretical frameworks and status quo that promote various forms of hegemony in the society. In other words, for praxis to be transformed, it has to be grounded in balanced equitable theory.

Why do you think this is such an important area of research for South African women?

Biblical interpretation has been used to subjugate and disempower women, historically and culturally. My research aims at redressing the negative impacts of lopsided, patriarchal and imperial interpretations of Scriptures on women whilst showing at the same time that a (gender) sensitive and (gender) balanced interpretation of the text could help affirm women in Africa, especially in a post-colonial, post-apartheid context. For many South Africans, the Bible remains a normative text; therefore, a fair-minded interpretation of its text will make for a better society that is centred on social justice, equity and mutual respect.

What would you consider the greatest impact of your research on women in the country?

It's in creating critical awareness of the plight of women in Africa in relation to the biblical text.

Do you have any message for the next generation of women researchers?

Feminist and gender-conscious interpretation is still at an early stage of development. More research needs to be done in terms of theory and empirical study. Women need to be bold not only to resist practices and theories that denigrate and relegate women but also to work jointly and co-operatively in areas of advocacy and influencing policy.