Mapping the contribution of feminist spiritualities to the United Nations' sustainable development goal of "Gender Equality"

Abstract

Feminist spiritualities can practically be identified by certain characteristics such as the focus on the unique experiences of women. The focus on bodies and the earth, a holistic worldview and appreciation for community and relationality are some of the characteristics seen in the life and work of those with feminist spiritualities. This study maps the characteristics of feminist spiritualities over the terrain of gender equality as the United Nations states in the sustainable development goal 5. The United Nations focuses on a grassroot approach to achieve the targets of the sustainable development goals. This approach to achieve the goals by 2030 follows a methodology from the local contexts by using local actors in the consultation process as well as implementation of the targets. These local actors include religious and faith- based organisations. In South Africa, a highly religious country, these local actors have the potential to contribute meaningfully to achieving the targets. Religious communities can have both positive and negative impacts, especially when it comes to gender. This study hopes to contribute a framework for identifying organisations and institutions that can meaningfully work towards reaching the targets. By using the characteristics of feminist spiritualities as guideposts in the works of several theological scholars to visualise the contours of transformation this study shows that feminist spiritualities is already present and resulting in transformation of individual and communal lives. In a religious African context, the role of religious communities is imperative to facilitate positive change. By mainstreaming feminist spiritualties and in the process challenging the hegemony of knowledge a new landscape is uncovered. Women have authorised themselves in different ways throughout time, feminist spiritualities is a way of authorization. Feminist spiritualities are an instrument to be used to achieve gender equality in terms of sustainable development goal 5.