|
It is my pleasure
to introduce Sexuality in Africa Magazine,
presumably the only publication that addresses Sexuality
in Africa from a broad and comprehensive perspective.
Sexuality in Africa Magazine fills an existing
gap in the wealth of information and publications
in the complex and emerging field of human sexuality.
In fact, professionals and indeed anyone with an interest
in human sexuality would agree that our knowledge
of this complex field is still largely limited to
the aspects of reproduction, ill-health (particularly
HIV/AIDS), reproductive health, and to some extent
issues of violence against women. Sexuality is, therefore,
merely reduced to its important health consequences.
This is understandable given the enormous challenges
posed by these issues to development and well-being.
Human sexuality is, however, complex and should not
be limited to sexual intercourse. In fact, as defined
by the World Health Organization, human sexuality
is a
central aspect of being human throughout life and
encompasses sex, gender, identities and roles, sexual
orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.
Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts,
fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values,
behaviours, practices, roles and relationships.
All these
aspects are important and remain largely unexplored
in the African context.
Human sexuality is after all about pleasure at individual
level as well as societal level (for instance through
reproduction). There is unfortunately a combination
of factors and forces such as the high morbidity environment,
carelessness, gender discrimination and various fundamentalisms
that might jeopardise the positive expression and
practice of sexuality.
A collaborative effort to address this important issue
and promote healthy, pleasurable and respectful sexuality
on the continent, is therefore a timely development.
Human sexuality in Africa is and remains a development
issue!
Through Sexuality in Africa Magazine, the
Africa Regional Sexuality
Resource Centre intends to provide a medium for
understanding human sexuality in its complex forms
and expressions. This will hopefully contribute to
promoting informed decision-making, policy and programming
in the field of sexuality.
Since the magazine is intended to be accessible to
all readers, Sexuality in Africa Magazine
provides in an easy-to-read format, knowledge, information
and experience on cutting edge issues in the field
of sexuality.
This maiden issue critically looks at issues at stake
such as defining the field, the situation of research
in West Africa and cultural practices affecting women’s
sexuality. The second edition will focus on access
of adolescents to sexuality education.
Richmond Tiemoko, Ph.D.
Director, Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre
|
