1734: Michelle Nekesa on Atheism, Women, Patriarchy, Religion, and Secularism in Kenya
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2026/08/10
“Yes, there is still a long road ahead. But as he mentioned, in more conservative or religious countries, when you don’t conform, you are labelled as a demon, Satanist, or part of the Illuminati, or other baseless claims.”
“Part of our website is dedicated to destigmatizing both humanism and atheism.”
“You might be disowned. People will say you’re not a good Christian or Catholic, or even your friends may turn away. It sounds extreme, but many think that if you’re against religion, you must be on the side of the devil. It’s true, and it’s sad.”
“They use religious authority to support their arguments, even when those arguments are deeply flawed. But when it comes to women, it’s surprising to see them religious because why would you support a religion that requires you to be inferior to men?”
“Women would lead the choir and do everything except be priests. I was always curious, thinking, ‘They’re good enough to manage the welfare of the church, but suddenly they can’t sit on the big chairs?’”
“Because for men, there are clear incentives to be religious, but for women, it’s like they’re going against their interests.”
“Every day, especially online, you see African pastors preaching that if you have a cheating or abusive husband, don’t leave him, pray for him. So, being a woman in that space is tough.”
“Being a religious woman in that context doesn’t make sense. It’s like being against yourself.”
“The measure of a good wife is how much abuse she can absorb and tolerate.”
“Especially where African culture and religion intersect for women, it’s a dangerous place.”
“Instead of feeling betrayed by their church or community, they feel they’ve betrayed God, their religion, or their husband by having sinful thoughts of leaving or breaking the marriage.”
“In the church, people may gossip or look down on a divorced woman because there’s much social capital attached to being a married woman, especially in Africa and within the African church.”
“I don’t think mainstream religion provides a space for women to exist and be themselves as human beings outside of servitude to men.”
“Mainstream religions, not just Christianity, don’t offer much for women in terms of autonomy.”
“I’ve always wondered how brilliant, strong women reconcile their faith with what the church demands.”
“On a deeper level, I don’t think the church has much to offer women. That’s my stance, and I’m quite comfortable with it.”
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