An investigation to establish how the biblical principle of devotion to virgin Mary enhances women empowerment in Mwingi sub-county, Kitui diocese, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to establish how the biblical principle of devotion to Virgin Mary enhances women empowerment in Mwingi Sub- County, Kitui diocese, Kenya. The study was guided by William, Delores (1937) theory which applies a womanist view point to the convectional theologies, beliefs, texts and devotion associated to Mary. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population was 3000 women from Mwingi sub-county Kitui Diocese. A sample size of 309 respondents: nine (9) priests and (300) three hundred women who were active in various church programs, was selected, through simple random and purposive sampling. Both
qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. The qualitative data was collected using interviews. Quantitative data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically following the objectives of the study, while quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science version 28 for windows and presented using tables. The study revealed some ways through which church leaders can through emphasis on devotion to Virgin Mary build on women empowerment such as building programs on self-awareness and worth, spiritual maturity, confidence and self-esteem. The study recommends the importance of encouraging devotion to Virgin Mary to all women in order to promote their empowerment in the Roman Catholic Church.