There has always been a link between technology and sex in Africa but this link has recently become more diversified and complex to involve various dimensions of sexuality. From the numerous forms and quality of aphrodisiacs available in Africa, it is clear that sexuality, reproduction and technology have always been linked. However the last few decades have changed the landscape of the sexuality and technology nexus, with a support and advocacy for science based technology. This is particularly true for reproductive technology, although non-reproductive technology has sprung and diversified over time. Read full article
By Richmond Tiemoko

Activism around issues of sexual rights violation, especially of LGBTI, girls and women in Africa has intensified in the past half decade. Activists have fought policies that may otherwise have had adverse effect on sexual minorities in various countries in. They have been able to coordinate, raise funds, act, and stifle the conservatives on a number of occasions by just a click. and have received backlash in few hours or days by that same click. Read full article

The technology of bodily representation, the use of cosmetics and dressing style is gendered in most societies. Norms exist that regulate the kinds of cosmetics men and women “should” use. The same also applies for dressing style, such that men and women are expected to dress differently and make different colour choices. Technological developments in the area of cosmetics have potentials to reinforce, alter or challenge conventional masculinity, femininity and gender roles. The expression of diverse sexual identities through the innovative use of cosmetics in many contemporary urban settings, challenges “conventional” gender roles related to sex. This brief study looks at how cosmetics, behaviour and dressing like ‘women’ among male sex workers in Addis Ababa has turned out to be a two edged sword with simultaneous benefits and disadvantages. Read full article