|
By
Richmond Tiemoko
Through this edition of the magazine we join the
African community in marking World AIDS Day and
the fight against violence; especially sexual and
gender based violence.
Sexual violence, gender based violence and HIV and
AIDS are issues affecting an increasing number of
Africans. Thus, many can hardly enjoy their sexual
and reproductive health and rights. This situation
is not only presenting sexuality as a killer but
it is also increasing the burden of sexuality related
ill-health. As recently as 2001, the total estimated
sexual and reproductive health burden represented
nearly a third (31.1 %) of the disease burden in
Africa[1]. It is therefore time to join the effort
to restore positive sexuality, protect sexual and
reproductive health and rights and prevent HIV.
It is widely accepted that the emergence of HIV
has provided more opportunities for open discussions
of sexuality issues . On the other hand, HIV has
somewhat reinforced the over-moralization of sexuality
and stigmatization of the sexual being. What has
been neglected in this process is the contributions
of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) to the
promotion of responsible sexuality by all members
of the society, regardless of their HIV Status.
We at ARSRC believe that PLWHA provide a clue to
the promotion of responsible and healthy sexuality.
We argue that learning from the sexual lives of
positive people will not only contribute to HIV
prevention, but also to the practice of responsible,
respectful and pleasurable sexuality. This will
lead to improved sexual health and well-being. In
line with this position ARSRC has embarked on a
project to learn and disseminate crucial lessons
for healthy and responsible sexuality from the viewpoint
of PLWHA. This edition presents the initial findings
of the project.
Through this issue, ARSRC intends to join the international
community in commemorating the World AIDS day. We
at ARSRC think that there are many role models among
People Living Positively (PLP) whose lives are worth
emulating with regard to issues of health, as well
as responsible and pleasurable sexuality.
Lesson 1: Communication between partners.
The interviews provided in this magazine clearly
point to the need for open communication between
partners. Communication on the sexuality needs of
each partner is crucial for providing and getting
pleasure and satisfaction. It would definitely reduce
sexual violence between intimate partners. As Wangura
said ‘I derive sexual satisfaction because it’s
a subject I discuss openly with my partner without
pretence or hypocrisy’
Lesson 2: Sex (sexual intercourse) should
be the icing on the cake because there are other
sources of sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Refusing to have sex with a husband is largely accepted
in many countries as a valid reason for wife beating,
according to data from the Demographic and Health
Surveys. Similarly, sexual violence remains quite
common in Africa. The findings of this project suggest
that individuals and sexual partners could also
explore other sources of pleasure and satisfaction
beyond sexual intercourse. Sweet talk, touching,
auto-eroticism, companionship and care are all important
ways of getting and providing pleasure and satisfaction.
These are lessons that we can learn from the experiences
of PLWHA.
In sum, responsible and pleasurable sexuality would
not only contribute to HIV prevention and the care
of PLWHA, but it will also promote sexual health
and well-being of the population. As we commence
the festive season, let us remember and live the
advice given by the Executive Director of Kenya
Network of Women with AIDS-(KENWA) - ‘Responsible
sexuality involves not exposing yourself or your
partner to infection’. And more importantly ‘always,
a consensus must be reached between the two parties
and sex should be a component of a broader partnership
or relationship - the icing on the cake’
Wishing you a healthy and pleasurable festive season!
Reference
[1] Vlassoff M., S. Singh, J. Darroh, E. Carbone
and S. Bernstein. 2004 Assessing Cost and Benefits
of Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention.
Occasional Report No11. December. Washington, Dc
and New York: The Alan Guttmacher Institute.
Back to main page
|
