Landman’s pioneering work at UNISA’s Research Institute for Theology and Religion

Abstract

This article explores the historical evolution of gendered theological scholarship at the Research Institute for Theology and Religion (RITR), University of South Africa (Unisa), with a particular focus on the pioneering contributions of Professor Christina Landman, the only academic female staff member at the RITR until 2021. As one of the early advocates for integrating gender discourse within theological scholarship, Landman faced significant opposition from male scholars entrenched in patriarchal academic structures. Despite this resistance, she persistently advanced the gendered theological agenda at the RITR. As part of her work, she actively participated in, tracked and documented the work of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, laying a critical foundation for future theological work in the field of gender and religion at RITR. Grounded in African women’s theology, this study utilises the oral history method to engage Landman in an in-depth interview, allowing for a nuanced reflection on her experiences and contributions.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: By documenting this historical trajectory, the article aims to foreground the enduring impact of Landman’s work on gender within African theological scholarship and highlights the ongoing challenges and developments in advancing African theological scholarship in the field of gender and religion at the RITR.