Auteur: Julienne MORISSEAU
Executive summary: The reflection examines the tension between the constitutional principle of equality and the influence of patriarchal monotheistic religions that historically legitimize the inferiorization of women through the control of their bodies. The state’s balance between guaranteeing women’s human rights, religious freedom and secularism is a major challenge. Male interpretations of sacred texts generate drifts such as strict dress codes or genital mutilation, although a women’s reinterpretation movement is emerging to give women a central place. In contrast, traditional Aboriginal religions recognize women as key roles as mediators or guardians of wisdom. Neither the State nor religion should be a means of oppression for women.
Keywords: Women, State, Religions, Africa, Religious freedom, Fundamental rights, Secularism, Submission, Sacred texts, Indigenous traditional religions.
Abstract: This reflection examines the tension between the constitutional principle of equality and the influence of patriarchal monotheistic religions, which have historically legitimized the subjugation of women through control over their bodies. The balance the state must strike between guaranteeing women’s fundamental rights, religious freedom, and secularism presents a major challenge. Male interpretations of sacred texts lead to abuses such as strict dress codes and female genital mutilation, although a movement of female reinterpretation is emerging to restore women to a central role. In contrast, traditional Indigenous religions recognize key roles for women as mediators or guardians of wisdom. Neither the state nor religion should be used as a means of oppressive and freedomsuppressing treatment for women.
Keywords: Women, State, Religions, Africa, Religious freedom, Fundamental rights, Secularism, Submission, Sacred texts, Traditional indigenous religions.