The role of Rastafarian women, who are called Queens, and the rules that apply specifically to women.
Women in Rastafari
Last updated 2009-10-09
The role of women in Rastafari
Rastafari has certain rules that apply only to women.
Whilst early Rastafarians probably followed these rules strictly, women tend to have more freedom in modern Rastafarian society.
- Women are known as Queens
- The main role of women is to look after their King
- Women are regarded as subordinate to men
- Women are regarded as housekeepers and child bearers
- Women must not commit infidelity
- Women are not called to Rastafari except through their husbands
- Women cannot be leaders
- Men are the spiritual head of the family
- Women must not cook for their husbands when menstruating
- Women must not wear makeup, dress in promiscuous clothing, or use chemicals in their hair
- Women must not use birth control, as it is regarded as a European tactic to suppress the development of the African population. This builds on the Old Testament prophecy that 'The seeds of Israel shall be numberless'
- Women must also abstain from abortion which is regarded as murder
- Women must cover their hair to pray, in keeping with the Biblical teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:5: "And any woman who prays or proclaims God's message in public worship with nothing on her head disgraces her husband..."
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