The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in African Women's Theology of understanding Motherhood and Maternal health

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

Abstract Community life is believed to be one of the indigenous essences of African life style. Traditionally the need to live together as a clan or village in the African setting is accorded high value. These communities shared indigenous knowledge with one another on various issues for the promotion of life. Although this pattern is slowly diminishing, we still find communities that have managed to respect this kind of lifestyle. The individualistic life style seems to be more preferred than a communal life which in some communities is slowly beginning to be seen as primitive. Historically, from a woman’s perspective communal life meant working together towards common good. Some of the occasions that always brought women together were childbirth and bringing up of a child which were seen as a community event needing companionship and partnership among women. This article explores the role of indigenous knowledge in African Women’s understanding of motherhood and its effect on community life within the African context. In an era where issues of maternal and infant mortality rates are on the agenda, the communal approach to childbirth becomes inevitable for women’s participation. Through the use of the theory of liminality the article shows how the transition from conception to childbirth is articulated as a rite of passage and how society upholds the concept of community life in providing support to the mother and child. Throughout the article the value of liminality and collective action in theologizing of motherhood is acknowledged. The article is a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the works of African Women Theologians on the motherhood and maternal health.