Why Zimbabwean women flock to apostolic shrines alone during working hours

Across urban and peri-urban Zimbabwe, apostolic shrines continue to draw large numbers of women during weekday mornings, a pattern that reflects deeper social, economic, and spiritual dynamics rather than a single explanation.

On any given weekday in cities such as Bulawayo, Gweru and Harare, groups of women dressed in white garments can be seen travelling to shrines operated by apostolic movements such as the Johanne Marange and Johanne Masowe sects. By mid-morning, some of these sites host dozens or even hundreds of worshippers, most of them women.

A space where women feel heard

Sociologists say the appeal of these gatherings is closely tied to how women experience voice and agency in their daily lives.

Dr Tariro Mhlanga of the National University of Science and Technology explains that for many women, shrines provide a rare space where they can openly discuss issues such as infertility, domestic conflict, illness, and financial stress without interruption or judgment.

"In many households and even some mainstream religious settings, women are expected to endure silently. At the shrine, they are given space to speak," she said.

Timing shaped by daily responsibilities

The weekday morning schedule is also practical. Women often attend after completing household duties, while children are at school and husbands are at work.

An apostolic church leader, Apostle Peter Mutasa, said the timing reflects the realities of family life rather than secrecy.

"Women have responsibilities at home in the morning. After that, they come for prayer and fellowship. Husbands cannot leave work for that," he said.

However, the absence of men during these gatherings has led to public misconceptions about what happens at shrines.

Struggles behind closed doors

Interviews with worshippers suggest that many women are dealing with challenges such as marital conflict, infertility, illness, unemployment in the household, and financial strain.

For some, shrines offer spiritual reassurance that is not easily accessed elsewhere.

One woman, speaking anonymously, said she could not openly tell her husband about her visits.

"If I say I'm going to the shrine for prayer about our marriage, he will say I am disrespecting him," she said.

Concerns about safety and abuse

While many apostolic shrines are legitimate places of worship, authorities and church bodies have raised concerns about isolated cases of abuse by individuals posing as spiritual leaders.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has previously warned worshippers to avoid unsafe or unregulated gatherings, particularly where leaders demand secrecy or isolation. In some cases, women have reported exploitation or abuse.

At the same time, apostolic church organisations have distanced themselves from such incidents, saying they do not represent the broader faith community. The Zimbabwe Council of Apostolic Churches has introduced safeguarding measures and disciplinary action against offenders.

Why men are largely absent

Men's low participation is attributed to work commitments, differing religious affiliations, and social stigma. Some men are reluctant to attend shrines associated with their wives due to perceptions of weakness or loss of authority.

Social researchers say this absence can unintentionally leave women more vulnerable in spaces without shared oversight from couples or families.

A reflection of wider social pressures

Experts argue that the trend is less about religion alone and more about broader social pressures affecting households.

Dr Mhlanga says the issue lies in the combination of economic hardship, limited access to mental health support, and constrained communication within families.

"The shrine is not the problem," she said. "The problem is when desperation meets unaccountable authority."

Between faith and vulnerability

For many women, apostolic shrines remain places of comfort, identity and hope. But the pattern of women attending alone during working hours also highlights gaps in family communication, economic stress, and limited support systems for addressing personal struggles.

As one worshipper in Luveve put it: "We don't come here to hide. We come because we are tired of carrying everything alone."