Foreword

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.

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.

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.

Sincerely,

Richmond Tiemoko, Ph.D.
Director

Field of Sexuality Studies: What Is It?

As in all other domains of human life, the definition of what is normal and natural sex varies drastically from one cultural setting to another. Categories such as 'heterosexual' or 'homosexual' or 'bisexual' as defined in Western societies do not necessarily carry the same meaning elsewhere. Homosexual behaviour for example, while occurring to some extent in every society, is as variegated in its form, content and meaning as heterosexual behaviour. How we interpret sexual desire in its multiplicity of contexts and expressions is one of the most important theoretical debates in the study of sexuality today. Read full article. By Suzanne Leclerc-Madlala, Ph.D.

Research and Capacity Building to Promote Sexual Health in West Africa: The Challenges

Good quality research is a key tool for identifying sexual health problems and their causes and demonstrating their importance to the promotion of sexual health and well-being. It also assists in formulating solutions and evaluating progress of sexual health interventions. Sexual health research demands for interdisciplinary and integrated research. Read full article. 
By Augustine Ankomah, Ph.D.

Survey Shows Up Disparities Between Talk and Practice: Nigerian Christian Youth and Sexuality

Nigeria's population is currently estimated at 124,009,000 with 43.65% of the population below the age of 15. Population density is 353 per sq. metre. The chief religions practiced in Nigeria are Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs. Nigeria also shares in the global burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic with a prevalence rate of between 2-10% depending on the geopolitical zone being considered. The world Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one out of 20 adolescents contacts a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year in Africa. Persons 15-30 years of age are the most sexually active and constitute a large proportion of the population of most developing countries. Sexual activity before the age of 20 years is common among unmarried African youths making them vulnerable to STDs including HIV/AIDS. While other STDs can be treated, HIV/AIDS currently has no cure. Read full article. By O.A. Olasode

Virginity Testing as HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategy: Clutching at Straws

The Southern African sub-region is currently devastated by the AIDS pandemic. In search of answers traditional leaders and some health practitioners have reinstalled the practice of virginity testing. This is a practice where young women are tested by older women. These tests are often conducted using very unscientific methods such as mere examination of the calves around the legs, or insertion of fingers or even eggs into the vagina. (If the egg cracks inside the vagina one is not considered a virgin!) Unfortunately, the practice is being viewed by some as a sure way of preventing infection. Read full article.
By Everjoice J. Win

ARSRC Hosts Sexuality Seminar

The Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre hosted a panel on "Research and Capacity Building for the Promotion of Sexual Health and Well-Being" on February 27, 2004 during the First Congress for the Advancement of Sexual Health and Rights in Africa. The Congress took place at the Crowne Plaza Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa from February 26-28, 2004. Read full article.

Sexuality Resources - Rethinking Sexuality

By Diane Richardson
Sexuality is one of the most hotly debated subjects in social science. This thoughtful and accessible book provides a critical examination of the central debates attached to conceptualizing sexuality as a site of knowledge and politics. Read full article.

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