BecomingGolden

written by Brownie Ebal and Nakiyimba Victoria.

Dr. Miria Matembe has spent much of her life advocating for gender equality, challenging societal norms that limit women’s potential, and fighting for justice in both law and politics. In this book, she turns her attention to one of the most deeply rooted obstacles to gender equality—religious misinterpretation and misapplication. Society has long dictated that women
must be submissive, silent, and secondary to men, but Dr. Matembe presents a different perspective—one that she believes aligns more closely with God’s true design.

With the sharp mind of a lawyer and the passion of a reformer, she takes a bold approach in re-examining scripture, aiming to restore women’s identity in the eyes of God. She argues that rather than being excluded from God’s mission, women have always played a central role in His divine plan. Through a careful interpretation of biblical stories and principles, she seeks to replace centuries of misrepresentation with a renewed understanding—one that empowers women to embrace their God-given purpose.

Dr. Matembe’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice. As a lawyer, legislator, minister, and advocate, she has influenced national and international policies, particularly in constitutional law and governance. She played a key role in shaping Uganda’s progressive constitution and has championed the rights of women in leadership, ethics, and integrity. Now, through this book, she extends her mission beyond legal and political spheres, calling upon women to reclaim their place in God’s plan—not as silent bystanders, but as active participants in His work.

With personal conviction and scriptural insight, Woman in the Eyes of God: Reclaiming a Lost Identity is both a challenge and an invitation. It is a call to women to rise, to see themselves as God sees them, and to walk boldly in the truth of their restored identity.

Maria Matembe speaks with conviction about the role of women in God’s mission. She emphasizes that Christ’s death and resurrection restored both men and women to their original status before the fall. She calls upon women to fix this truth in their minds and rise up to follow Jesus, their Redeemer. With passion, she reminds women that they were not left out of God’s plan for restoration. “How great and honorable,” she exclaims, “that you, a woman, were a party to God’s plan of restoration for humankind! Glory to God!”

Reflecting on the story of Rebekah, she points out how, in assisting Jacob to secure his father’s blessing, Rebekah was co-working with God to fulfill His divine purpose. According to His will, Esau was never meant to receive that blessing, though God did not reveal this secret to Isaac. Maria Matembe observes that many times, women in families have had to resort to indirect
means to secure what they believe is right, simply because they have been ignored or denied participation in important decisions. She empathizes with such women and urges men to recognize the wisdom that women bring. “My appeal to men,” she says, “is to allow women to participate in decision-making, so that their God-given wisdom can be harnessed for the benefit
of the family.” Otherwise, she warns, women are left with no choice but to use indirect means, which are often misunderstood and misjudged.

She speaks with admiration about the many women who co-worked with God to fulfill His mission for Israel. She recalls the bravery of the Egyptian midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied Pharaoh’s orders and saved the Israelite baby boys. “Had these women obeyed Pharaoh, the Israelites would not have increased in number,” she notes. Jochebed, the mother of Moses,
also stands out in her reflections. “How could she have known that her child was special unless God revealed it to her?” she asks. Maria Matembe insists that God grants wisdom and boldness to the women He calls into His mission.

She stresses that God can use any woman—whether ordinary, noble, professional, young, or old—as long as she is available. “Your status, whether married, single, or widowed, is not a hindrance,” she asserts. “Even the most vulnerable woman can be used by God.” She challenges widows and single mothers not to make excuses. “Cooperation with God is all that is required,” she declares.

Maria Matembe is particularly drawn to Esther’s story, seeing her as a model for leadership, especially on the African continent. She praises Esther’s wisdom, courage, and determination to save her people, and draws lessons from Deborah, a judge and prophetess who was both a political and spiritual leader while managing her household. “This,” she insists, “proves that
women can be public leaders and still maintain strong family roles.” She also finds inspiration in Jael, who, alongside Deborah, played a crucial role in securing Israel’s victory over Sisera. “Too often, women fight against each other instead of working together to defeat common enemies,” she observes. “Yet, in the end, God’s purpose prevails, regardless of who gets the credit.”

She highlights the daughters of Zelophehad, who boldly approached Moses to claim their inheritance. “And when Moses consulted God, the Lord affirmed them,” she says, quoting the scripture: ‘What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right.’ She believes that the law was settled long ago by God Himself, and women today must rise and demand its application.

Maria Matembe speaks passionately about the grace of God upon women. She draws from the life of Rahab, a woman society despised, yet one whom God chose to be in the lineage of Christ. “This is good news for women whom society looks down upon,” she says. “God values you and wants to work with you for His kingdom.” She urges women not to let their past define them, reminding them that Ruth, through her love and faithfulness, earned a place in Jesus’ lineage. “You are who God says you are,” she declares. “Embrace your destiny!”

She also reflects on Bathsheba, whose story was one of restoration. “Despite her past, God honored her by making her the mother of Solomon, one of Israel’s greatest kings,” she notes. “When we surrender to God, He turns our stories around.”

Maria Matembe finds it deeply significant that women were the first witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. “The gospel of Christ centers on His death and resurrection,” she says, “and who were the first to witness it? Women.” She reminds her audience that it was women who stood by Jesus in His suffering and death, and it was women He entrusted with the greatest message of all time: ‘He is not here; He has risen!’

She also speaks of Deborah’s courage in calling Barak to battle. When Barak refused to go unless Deborah accompanied him, she agreed but told him, ‘Because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman.’ Maria Matembe reflects on this and calls upon men to be like Barak—men who recognize and support
the strength of women rather than suppress it. “What mattered to Barak was not whether a man or woman got the credit,” she says. “It was about victory.” She prays that more men will rise with courage and wisdom to support women in realizing their divine purpose.

With a firm voice, she challenges women not to wait for an invitation. She recalls the woman who entered the Pharisee’s house uninvited to anoint Jesus’ feet. “Step into the spaces where decisions are made,” she urges. “Whether in government, business, or ministry, let your presence
be felt. And when you step in, let your actions make a difference in the lives of those you serve.”

For Maria Matembe, the message is clear: God has always used women to fulfill His mission, and He is still calling them today. The question remains—are they ready to rise and answer His call?