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This book shows how the Contextual Bible Study method in South Africa can contribute to bring about transformation and liberation for poor and marginalized women, with focus on implications for individual and social change. The book is based on a fieldwork done with the Ujamaa Centre for Biblical and theological community development and research in Pietermaritzburg South Africa, and in-depth interveiws with eleven women who are involved with the work of the Centre. The framework of my work is the socio-political situation in South Africa, with the influence of the Apartheid Era, and the theologies which influence the South African context and also the work of the Ujamaa Centre, being; Liberation theology, Black theology, and Contextual theology. Central elements in this book are from theories of transformation, liberation, and empowerment. The stories of the women interviewed show the complex situation for poor and marginalized women in South Africa and the context that they live in. Therefore this book is relevant to all kind of people involved with such work.

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Marit Breen, Bachelor degree: Cultural and Social science, University of Oslo, Institute of Social Anthropology. Master degree: Global Studies, School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger. Current Position: Working with Asylum Seekers, employed by Hero Norge AS.

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