Religion is institutionally patriarchal. It serves to oppress women and their rights. Religion has the impact of oppressing women's voices, presence, sexuality, and autonomy.
Religion promotes patriarchy
All mainstream religious values seem to assert the dominance of man. Women are regarded as inferior and given the status of property. They are kept at home to produce children and foster an environment for man to thrive in.
Religious scriptures are used to oppress women, whether it in everyday life by denying socio economic opportunities, to utilising religion to justify abuse against women, both at home, or in conflict.
Religious beliefs on the value given to life, has impinged heavily on women's rights to abortion. This has led to many fatalities for women due to infections from miscarriages, and illegal methods of abortion. This particularly impacts women from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
More active women leaders in religious roles are at the table promoting gender equality. Some genders are matriarchal and promote the ideal of female sexuality for pleasure. Freedom of religion, and diversity of religion protects women from oppression.
Theologists strive to achieve gender equality
Women are increasingly engaging with religion and taking measures to access leading religious roles to challenge the patriarchal values that have emanated from the readings of religious texts. This voice is necessary at the table, as more women at the table will read religious texts in an egalitarian manner.
Historically, religion has been matriarchal. In every ancient religion, Goddesses are worshipped, with women being central to the household. There are still many religions that uphold this ideal.
Some mainstream religions, such as Hinduism, promote desire and sex for pleasure equally to both sexes. Historically, women and men were able to engage in polygamous relationships, and sexual pleasure, and the use of sexual prowess was not taboo.
The lack of religious freedom can be damaging to women's rights
Lack of religious freedom for women in particular exposes them to abuse, with extremist values oppressing women. The freedom to practice religion correlates with better economic and political rights.
