Barriers and Opportunities for Women Participation in Church Leadership: A Case Study of North Ankole Diocese, Uganda

Abstract

The Diocese of North Ankole is located in Kiruhura Diocese, Western Uganda. The Diocese shares the same geographical boundaries with the Kiruhura and Kazo Districts, respectively. Rt Rev Alfred Muhoozi is the 3rd and current Diocesan Bishop. Although the number of female and male Christians of the Church has increased over time, women's participation in Church leadership roles is lower than men's. This study purposed to find out what can be done to encourage the Christian women of North Ankole Diocese to become Church Leaders. The study employed mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research approaches. Primary data was gathered from North Ankole Diocese (NAD) Christians (192 male and 171 female) using structured questionnaires. 10 interviews were conducted, and additional secondary data was gathered from various related literature and articles. Data was analyzed, and findings from the study show that a combination of individual, Church institutional, and societal factors affect the participation of women in church leadership positions. Family commitments, lack of sufficient role models, and inflexible working hours were found to be the leading barriers to the Christian women of NAD aspiring for Church leadership positions. To the other end, attitudes of people towards women gender roles and wife/motherhood responsibilities are the other barriers for women to aspire for Church leadership positions. Therefore, to encourage women to become Church leaders, Senior Church Leaders, both at Diocesan and Church of Uganda level should be committed to inspire, support, and create opportunities that can enable female Christians to aspire, train, and become Church leaders.