Religion and Sexuality in Zimbabwe highlights the complex interplay between religion and sexuality in Zimbabwe. It shows how religion both facilitates and complicates the expression of sexuality in Zimbabwe. Approaching religion from a broader perspective, this volume reviews the impact of African Indigenous Religions and Christianity in its varied forms on the construction and expression of sexuality in Zimbabwe. These contributors examine the role of indigenous beliefs, as well as interpretations of sacred texts, in the understanding of sexuality in Zimbabwe. They also address themes relating to sexual diversity and sexual and gender-based violence. Overall, this book sheds light on the ongoing relevance and strategic role of religion to contemporary discourses on human sexuality.

This work investigates the role of n'angas(Traditional Healers) in the HIV/AIDS pandemic with reference to the Ndau people of Zimbabwe. The central question of the work is: Do n'angas cure HIV/AIDS? If not, what is it that they do that they think is curing? The research findings were that much of the claims by some n'angas and their clients are a result of information gap about HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is not tested by the magico-pharmacology of the traditional Shona society. The success of n'angas in dealing with HIV/AIDS lies in the anti-retroviral role that traditional herbal medicine plays. At best, they can cure symptoms of HIV/AIDS with their traditional medicines. As a result, they can be said to be offering alternative traditional anti-retroviral treatment even without the medical expertise of establishing the CD4 counts. Payment is not made for curing the AIDS virus, but for treating the opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. As a matter of fact, patients do not seek AIDS cure, but medical assistance for physically observable complications. Interestingly, genuine n'angas sometimes do not even require payment, but consider themselves as providing a community service.

The chapters in this volume foreground the ambivalent role of religion and culture when it comes to African women's health and well-being. Reflecting on the three major religions in Africa, i.e. African indigenous religions, Christianity, and Islam, the authors illustrate how religious beliefs and practices can either enhance or hinder women's holistic progress and development. With a specific focus on Zimbabwean women's experiences of religion and culture, the volume discusses how African indigenous religions, Christianity, and Islam tend to privilege men and understate the value of women in Africa. Adopting diverse theological, ideological, and political positions, contributors to this volume restate the fact that the key teachings of different religions, often suppressed due to patriarchal influences, are a potent resource in the quest for gender justice. In sync with the goals for gender justice and women empowerment envisioned in the United Nations' Agenda 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, the contributors advocate for gender-inclusive and life-enhancing interpretations of religious and cultural traditions in Africa.