Pentecostalism and women leadership: paradigm for gender re-construction in Nigeria

Abstract

Gender construction in Nigeria is culturally constructed, gender processes are inculcated through the family, school, religion, peer group etc, as such women are relegated on their line of actions culturally. Thus, gender inequality has gained momentum. However, in the Pentecostal doctrines and dogma women position have change drastically giving credence to equal partnership with the men. Hence, this research aims at showing that Pentecostalism adapting itself as a Christian denomination that saturate itself as a possible gospel, involved in the rejuvenation of humanity have tendencies towards the appreciation and equivalent status women enjoys with the men counterpart, dominantly recognizing the important role women can play in the church and the society, as such priding the feminine role as a necessary complement to the masculine role. As such, women are allowed to own their parishes, women ministry, women pastorate, women counselors, women wing, and side by side leadership role with men etc. This serves as advocacy mechanism by Pentecostal ministry to reconstruct the cultural/traditional construct of gender in Nigeria.

Achieving Gender Balance Education through the Lens of Neo-Pentecostalism

“…Odey (2018) further maintains that these groups are a corporation formed by the combination of wide varieties of assemblies with astonishing doctrines and practices. Odey (2020) asserted that, although gender is culturally construed, Pentecostal doctrines and dogmas have changed the traditional, cultural and social disadvantages pertaining to women. Noting that, the Pentecostal movement, being a religion of positive gospel and innovative religion have drastically given credence to equal partnership between men and women.…”

“…According to Odey(2020), who wrote about the Pentecostal movement's contribution to the advancement of women's status in the ministry, several biblical teachings that emphasize the positive role of women in Christianity have gained significant visibility as a result of the expansion and development of the Pentecostal movement, particularly in Nigeria. The Pentecostal movement has had an impact on the Nigerian church, and to some extent, that impact has been positive.…”