| Summary: | This research study is a qualitative appraisal of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and
Control Strategy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). It
critically analyses the strategy in order to ascertain its gender consciousness or
gender sensitivity in the context of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. The basic
motivation for this study is based on the idea that many if not most of the
responses aimed at dealing effectively with the HIV and AIDS pandemic in
Ethiopia have so far not addressed the underlying problems related to gender
which are fuelling the spread of the HI virus. The study is guided by an
overarching feminist ecclesiology, the gendered conceptual intervention to HIV
and AIDS proposed by Geeta Rao Gupta, and Orthodox and feminist Trinitarian
theology as a theoretical framework within feminist theology. These approaches
were chosen because of their common focus on the unity and equality of
humanity regardless of gender, social and religious differences.
One of the major highlights of this study is that it has succeeded in bringing forth
links between gender issues and HIV and AIDS; poverty and HIV and AIDS, and
economic, social and cultural factors that fuel the spread of the HI virus; as well
the historical, philosophical and cultural influences that perpetuate the oppression
of women. Another important highlight of this study is the identification of
theologies within EOTC that can help diffuse the tension created by the above
mentioned negative influences. These theologies include the Trinitarian theology
for example, and are life affirming for women because they transform and
empower women to ensure their full humanity and equality, giving them the
means to avoid being infected by the HI virus, and/or allowing those who are
already infected and affected to live with dignity. === Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.
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