The research is focusing on understanding the problems that are caused by the patriarchal set-up and which become stumbling blocks for the rights of women in the church and society. The research is done by application of the liberation theology from the reality of the experiences of the oppressed women. The research will: - Use the practical case studies as an experience of the victimized society in order to understand their pain and need. - Study the biblical passages that helps to understand more about how men and women are expected to relate to each other by God. - Study the African traditional understanding about how men and women should relate to each other. - Give guidelines on how men and women can be equal participants for the kingdom of God, without undermining the rights of women and the biblical message on the view of women. Liberation theology pioneered by James Cone will be used pastorally and therapeutically to help the women as victims of gender oppression both in the church and in the society. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Practical Theology / unrestricted