Gender Politics and Social Change: The Status of Women Leaders in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

Abstract

Women leaders in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) encounter some major challenges based on religious, socio-cultural and political considerations despite the social change in the society. The study examines the theory of feminism as a theoretical frame using historical analysis. The existing structures within both the church and society are patriarchal and the structures turn to focus more on men than on women in the various sectors of life. Though women leaders in the church are performing their roles; there are some political, socio-cultural and religious perceptions that keep them from fully performing their leadership roles. Women leaders especially the ordained do not get access to occupy some of the top hierarchical positions like the clerk of the General Assembly or the Moderator of the General Assembly. In effect, women leaders in the PCG do not have access to the decision making positions because of some political, socio-cultural and religious perceptions. It is discovered that gender politics and patriarchy shape PCG hierarchical mobility. We should not forget the fact that industrial revolution and scientific advancement have pushed African women into new roles in the secular society. African women are now Presidents, Medical officers, Military women, Speakers of Parliament, Chief Justice, Judges, Lawyers, Parliamentarians, Ministers of Education, Lecturers and Professors of the Universities, Ordained Ministers among other professions.