The 105th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU) took centre stage on Tuesday as Professor Adepeju O. Johnson-Bashua, an eminent scholar in the fields of Comparative Religion and Gender Studies, addressed the complex intersections of gender, religion, and culture in contemporary African society.
The lecture titled “Historicising, Contextualising, and Justifying Women’s Aluta Continua in Unkind Religious Spaces.” was held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium with members of the academic community, students, family and dignitaries in attendance.
In a compelling and thought-provoking presentation, the professor examined how institutionalized religions, particularly Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion (ATR), have historically restricted women’s access to leadership roles and equal participation. Drawing on theological, historical and cultural analysis, she argued that while religious texts are often interpreted in ways that marginalize women, these interpretations are not immutable.
“Each religion has its own standards for evaluating the status of women,” she noted. “However, across many religious traditions, women’s voices have been systematically silenced, and leadership roles denied.” Citing scholars such as Linda Woodhead and Karl Barth, she highlighted how Christian theology in particular has reinforced patriarchal structures, with women seen as subordinate to men both in the home and in religious practice.
Despite these barriers, Johnson-Bashua emphasized the resilience of women within faith communities. “The feminist consciousness has awakened a new narrative,” she said, “where women’s roles as mothers, wives, and spiritual leaders are now being redefined as instruments of empowerment rather than subjugation.”
Her lecture further explored how patriarchal cultural norms embedded within African societies amplify religious gender biases. She argued that the fusion of culture and religion in Africa has created a structural hegemony that sustains gender inequality, noting that “religion, for it to remain relevant, must include the active participation of all genders.”
In her concluding remarks, Professor Johnson-Bashua called for transformative change across various sectors to foster genuine gender equality, especially within religious institutions.
Her recommendations included:
Global Policy Commitment: She urged the United Nations to reaffirm and enforce the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as a binding constitutional obligation for all nations.
Scriptural Reinterpretation: A proper theological reassessment of scriptures is necessary to highlight the original egalitarian visions present in religious texts.
Cultural Re-evaluation: The professor advocated for a critical overhaul of traditional cultural perceptions that portray women as inherently inferior.
Poverty Alleviation: She emphasized the link between economic disparity and gender discrimination, calling for policies that empower women economically.
Education Reform: Johnson-Bashua stressed the importance of female education as a key driver of social change, quoting her own belief that “to educate a woman is to educate a nation.”
Clerical Attitudinal Shifts: She encouraged more empathy and acceptance within religious leadership, particularly from male clergy toward their female counterparts in theological fields.
Professor Johnson-Bashua’s lecture concluded with a passionate call for inclusion and justice in faith spaces. “Women’s struggle for equality is far from over,” she declared, “but their courage and contributions remain critical in reimagining a more equitable and inclusive future for all.”