scholarly journals FROM CONSTANCE OOSTHUIZEN TO PURITY MALINGA: THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY IN ORDINATION IN THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-191
Author(s):  
Raymond Simangaliso Kumalo
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Methodist Church ◽  
Women Ministers ◽  
Ordained Ministry ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

The researcher believes that while in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) women have been ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament since 1976, they remain a minority numerically and are still marginalised in leadership. As a result ordained women remain the most unrecognised and underutilised group in the MCSA. Few women ministers have held leadership positions during this period, particularly primary leadership positions. This article enquires into the experiences (or, ‘acceptance’) of these women, the reasons for the minority representation, and reflects on the future of representative ordained ministry. A theoretical framework of feminist ecclesiology is used as an approach. Primary research provides statistical data upon which the assessment of progress towards gender equality is based. The impact of culture upon institutional gender representation is discussed, together with equality of opportunity in principle and practice. Reference is made to gender equality in other institutions, both secular and religious. The article reflects upon the leadership of the MCSA towards gender equality in the ordained ministry, and some conclusions are drawn and recommendations suggested for the future.

Representation of the Angolan low and Southern African Summer Precipitation in the CORDEX and CMIP5 models. 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Abba-Omar ◽  
Francesca Raffaele ◽  
Erika Coppola ◽  
Daniela Jacob ◽  
Claas Teichmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Summer Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Variability ◽  
Cmip5 Models ◽  
Impact Of Climate Change ◽  
The Future ◽  
Rainfall Patterns ◽  
The Impact

<p>The impact of climate change on precipitation over Southern Africa is of particular interest due to its possible devastating societal impacts. To add to this, simulating precipitation is challenging and models tend to show strong biases over this region, especially during the Austral Summer (DJF) months. One of the reasons for this is the mis-representation of the Angolan Low (AL) and its influence on Southern Africa’s Summer precipitation in the models. Therefore, this study aims to explore and compare different models’ ability to capture the AL and its link to precipitation variability as well as consider the impact climate change may have on this link. We also explore how the interaction between ENSO, another important mode of variability for precipitation, and the Angolan Low, impact precipitation, how the models simulate this and whether this could change in the future under climate change. </p><p>We computed the position and strength of the AL in reanalysis data and compared these results to three different model ensembles with varying resolutions. Namely, the CORDEX-CORE ensemble (CCORE), a new phase of CORDEX simulations with higher resolutions (0.22 degrees), the lower resolution (0.44 degrees) CORDEX-phase 1 ensemble (C44) and the CMIP5 models that drive the two RCM ensembles. We also used Self Organizing Maps to group DJF yearly anomaly patterns and identify which combination of ENSO and AL strength scenarios are responsible for particularly wet or dry conditions. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationships between precipitation and the AL and ENSO. This analysis was repeated for near (2041-2060) and far (2080-2099) future climate and compared with the present to understand how the strength of the AL, and its connection to precipitation variability and ENSO, changes in the future. </p><p>We found that, in line with previous studies, models with stronger AL tend to produce more rainfall. CCORE tends to simulate a stronger AL than C44 and therefore, higher precipitation biases. However, the regression analysis shows us that CCORE is able to capture the relationship between precipitation and the AL strength variability as well as ENSO better than the other ensembles. We found that generally dry rainfall patterns over Southern Africa are associated with a weak AL and El Nino event whereas wet rainfall patterns occur during a strong AL and La Nina year. While the models are able to capture this, they also tend to show more neutral ENSO conditions associated with these wet and dry patterns which possibly indicates less of a connection between AL strength and ENSO than seen in the observed results. Analysis of the future results indicates that the AL weakens, this is shown across all the ensembles and could be a contributing factor to some of the drying seen. These results have applications in understanding and improving model representation of precipitation over Southern Africa as well as providing some insight into the impact of climate change on precipitation and some of its associated dynamics over this region.</p>

scholarly journals Factors affecting the business environment of SMEs in Nitra region in Slovakia

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-331
Author(s):  
Enikő Korcsmáros ◽  
Monika Šimova
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Regional Policy ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Transport Cost ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

Research background: Businesses are directly affected by the outside world, i.e. the business environment. Literature review lists a number of factors of the business environment affecting businesses. These factors may be oriented towards inputs, outputs, sales, or can be an instrument of regional policy. With regard to future development of businesses, it is crucial to identify which factor and to what extent can influence the operation of the business. Purpose of the article: The main objective of the primary research was to provide a comprehensive assessment of how different factors influence enterprises of different economic sectors as well as help to verify the research question defined and formulate recommendations for future development of enterprises. The questionnaire survey to verify the research question was conducted on a sample of 496 small and medium-sized enterprises. Methods: We chose quantitative method of ANOVA for processing the results of the survey, and we also set the limit of significant impact of different influence factors on the basis of analysed data of primary research, and the limit of significant impact. Based on literature study, we have grouped individual factors such as factors focused on inputs, on outputs, on sales, and instruments of regional policy. Based on those findings we can identify the impact of factors for the future development of SMEs in different economic sectors. Findings & Value added: SMEs of Nitra Region involved in the research represent different economic sectors and various factors influence them with different intensity, for future development of these SMEs it is necessary to reduce the transport cost of raw material and goods, improve the attitude of employees to work, and the technical level of equipment to improve the economic situation of the region. The mentioned findings are important for formulating the future regional development plan.

scholarly journals Grant me Justice! Reading the Chronicle of the Ordination of Women in the MCSA as the Making of a Patronage Ministry

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obusitswe Tiroyabone-A-Sedupelela
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Methodist Church ◽  
Women Ministers ◽  
Ordination Of Women ◽  
The Church ◽  
Patronage System

In 2016 the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) celebrates 40 years of the ordination of women which signifies a milestone in the ministry. Whilst this calls for celebration, it is also important that we lament the challenges women ministers are facing in the church. The chronicle of how the church came to ordain women as ministers in the MCSA cites tensions and debates as well as theological arguments for and against the ordination of women. This paper reads this chronicle with a hermeneutic of suspicion. The paper holds that the decision of the church to ordain women has not translated to women being ordained ministers like men within the church, but rather the decision created a patronage system within the ministry where male ministers (and their wives) are patrons and female ministers their clients. The woman minister in the MCSA joins the woman in the Luke narrative who continues to go to the judge (the MCSA) and laments “Grant me Justice!”

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS: THE CASE OF UNDP IN LEBANON

2021 ◽  
pp. 58-69
Author(s):  
Farah Jabbouri
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Leadership Effectiveness ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Female Empowerment ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Impact

This research intends to study the influence of female empowerment on leadership effectiveness in the UNDP Lebanon. It was once believed that men were the only ones that could fill positions of power and leadership. Even nowadays, women still face great difficulties while obtaining the positions of power in their career and suffer from inequality at work. This study will be looking at the impact of women empowerment and its influence on fulfilling work outcomes and meeting organizational objectives as well as proving that gender equality is the basis of empowerment. The research utilizes mixed methods for conducting interviews and sending online anonymous questionnaires. The results of the interviews show that the UNDP strongly encourages female applicants to apply to power and leadership positions. Upon conducting the study, the distribution of jobs among men and women at the UNDP was shown to be equitable. 52% of the employees are female and 48% are male. Furthermore, the findings show that 50% of the employees that filled the questionnaire have female managers. The online questionnaire shows that the staff are satisfied with the empowerment initiatives at the UNDP and that both men and women are empowered equally.

Women in Southern African History

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heike Becker
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Gender Relations ◽  
African Culture ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Christian Missions ◽  
Representation Of Women ◽  
History Of ◽  
European Trade ◽  
The Impact

Women have played complex roles in the history of Southern Africa, a vast region that comprises diverse local histories as well as social and cultural forms. The diversity of the region has been both integrated and fragmented through historical connections, which have centered on South Africa as a subimperial power. Prior to colonial conquest and the impact of Christian missions and European trade, gender relations varied, partly due to an array of social and kinship systems. Overall, however, the position of women in southern African societies deteriorated after colonization. Economic, political, and cultural dynamics impacted on gender relations through the interaction of European and indigenous patriarchy, colonial rule, and capitalist modes of production, which reinforced and transformed one another, evolving into new structures and forms of domination. The paradox of similarities due to settler colonialism and differences in respect of timing and pathways to decolonization impacted upon the trajectories of postcolonial gender politics and the representation of women in the postcolonial political structures of southern Africa. Despite initial differences regarding legal gender equality, everywhere that liberation movements in power established themselves in the region, discourses of “African culture and tradition” became pertinent. Colonial customary laws and powers given to traditional leaders remain at the heart of contemporary battles over gender equality and social justice.

scholarly journals THE EXPERIENCES OF THIRTEEN WOMEN MINISTERS OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Williams ◽  
Christina Landman
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
40Th Anniversary ◽  
Methodist Church ◽  
Women Ministers ◽  
Ordination Of Women ◽  
The Church ◽  
Unique Relationship

The year 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women into the ministry of Word and Sacraments in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. What are their experiences during their ministry whilst being in a covenantal relationship with the church and their ordained colleagues? What are the particular concerns and issues raised by a sample of 13 women ministers who have served for a total of 90 years since their ordination in the church? The paper describes the unique relationship between the church and ministers and then presents the findings of the experiences of the sample, indicating that the women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa are being discriminated against in various ways and struggling to find acceptance and appointments in financially viable circuits.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the business environment of SMEs in Nitra region in Slovakia

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enikő Korcsmáros ◽  
Monika Šimova
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Regional Policy ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Transport Cost ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

Research background: Businesses are directly affected by the outside world, i.e. the business environment. Literature review lists a number of factors of the business environment affecting businesses. These factors may be oriented towards inputs, outputs, sales, or can be an instrument of regional policy. With regard to future development of businesses, it is crucial to identify which factor and to what extent can influence the operation of the business. Purpose of the article: The main objective of the primary research was to provide a comprehensive assessment of how different factors influence enterprises of different economic sectors as well as help to verify the research question defined and formulate recommendations for future development of enterprises. The questionnaire survey to verify the research question was conducted on a sample of 496 small and medium-sized enterprises. Methods: We chose quantitative method of ANOVA for processing the results of the survey, and we also set the limit of significant impact of different influence factors on the basis of analysed data of primary research, and the limit of significant impact. Based on literature study, we have grouped individual factors such as factors focused on inputs, on outputs, on sales, and instruments of regional policy. Based on those findings we can identify the impact of factors for the future development of SMEs in different economic sectors. Findings & Value added: SMEs of Nitra Region involved in the research represent different economic sectors and various factors influence them with different intensity, for future development of these SMEs it is necessary to reduce the transport cost of raw material and goods, improve the attitude of employees to work, and the technical level of equipment to improve the economic situation of the region. The mentioned findings are important for formulating the future regional development plan.

scholarly journals THE PLACE OF WOMEN MINISTERS IN THE MISSION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
F S Mkhwanazi ◽  
Thias Kgatla
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Women Empowerment ◽  
Cultural Stereotypes ◽  
Methodist Church ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Women Ministers ◽  
The People ◽  
Full Participation ◽  
The Church

This paper proposes that the ministry of ordained women within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) has not fully integrated women, despite the landmark decision of the MCSA Conference of 1972 to have women ordained into the full ministry of the church. At that Methodist Conference of 1972, the Methodist Church adopted a resolution to have women ordained into the ministry of the church, and yet this has not been fully realised in the life of the MCSA. Despite the fact that women form the majority of the people who come to church on Sundays, they form a very small group within ministers’ ranks. We will investigate the challenges within the MCSA that slow down its policy on the ordination of women. The paper proposes the tools that can be used to address the challenges with regard to the full acceptance of women ministers within the MCSA. Furthermore, it investigates the organisational structure of the Women’s Manyano as a means for women to protest against their exclusion from full participation in the life and leadership of the church. Although what women have learnt and practise within their own women organisation has not infiltrated into the full life of the Methodist Church, they have become a force to reckon with in the MCSA. The paper traces the causes of the marginalisation of women within the Methodist Church to patriarchal and cultural stereotypes that are determining the reading and understanding of the biblical text. Human nature is a condition that needs to be checked regularly in order to remove those elements that are human-made, self-serving and limiting. Some examples of psychological and cultural elements are cited as a basis for reflection and a launch pad for women empowerment, and for the transformation of the MCSA and its policy on the ministry of ordained women.

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