Prayers for women’s livelihoods in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 lockdown era

Abstract

This study is centred on African Initiated Churches (AICs) and women’s livelihoods during the COVID-19 era in Zimbabwe. African Initiated Churches which have a large women’s following became a portal of women’s livelihoods because the churches dealt with poverty affecting women and their lost entrepreneurial opportunities. At their sowes [worship places], the AICs responded by providing women with miteuro [ritualised prayers], which were performed with anointed waters and nhombo [anointed or ritualised pebbles] all of which helped in giving zambuko [deliverance or breakthrough]. The prayers were found to give hope and resilience, which became protective factors against the adversities associated with COVID-19.

Contribution: This study’s contribution is centred on Practical Theology. It showed how the church has spiritually supported women’s livelihoods, consequently empowering them in the economic spheres of their lives through faith.