Factors accountable for Women's Economic Dependence in Malindi District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kenya

Abstract

Economic dependence is a major problem in human societies. This study investigated factors accountable for the existence of economic dependence in women of Malindi SDA church district. It was reported that some women frequently missed meetings such as church retreats, congress, and departmental trainings. Questionnaires fielded among women respondents targeted the need to obtain information on economic dependency Oral interviews were conducted among church leaders for purposes of comparison of factors, which encouraged women economic dependency in other denominations. A program was designed and prepared, implemented and an evaluation carried out as a suggested way of solving the economic dependency syndrome. Six factors identified as accountable for economic dependency among women in Malindi church district of the Seventh- day Adventist were poverty, abuse, culture, lack of empowerment, educational status, and effects of economic dependency. SDA women of Malindi District were perceived to neglect active participation in church activities, which involved finance. Thus a subtle level of stigmatization at church community level was identified. Malindi district SDA church leadership had not put into economic dependency syndrome consideration into their strategic plan for church community development. However the SDA church leadership confirmed that there existed economic dependency syndrome among the SDA churchwomen. From the study findings and known effects of economic dependency, the SDA leadership needs to have a strategy in place to empower women economically. Every church member needs to be alert on caring for the poor women.