FEATURE: Defining Sexual Rights (in Marriage)

In the context of the calamitous effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa particularly on African women, the question of sexuality and sexual rights have become important areas of research and intervention. Since the first declaration of sexual rights in the Beijing Platform for Action and its subsequent articulation in the United Nations Department of Public Information document, the notion of sexual rights remains a contested field with many African countries reformulating and reframing the notion of sexual rights.Read full article.
By Deevia Bhana
ISSUE IN FOCUS: Politics, Rights and Identity About Same-Sex Marriage in South Africa

The Supreme Court of Appeal in 2004 declared the common-law definition of marriage unconstitutional. This decision followed an appeal by Marie Fourie and her partner, Cecilia Bonthuys, which resulted in mixed public reaction. Phumlani Nxumalo (74) from Orlando West, not too far from Johannesburg, was appalled at the court’s verdict: “Even animals of the same sex don’t take this route. We have lost ubuntu bethu.” Unsurprisingly, a lesbian couple, Mbali Nkosi (19) and Joy Mbatha (18) said they were overwhelmed by the outcome: “We were thinking of eloping because we always felt that South African law was insular and unfair to us. But now we are relieved because it is no longer only about the so-called straight people.” Read full article.
By Vasu Reddy and Zethu Cakatha
RESEARCH NOTES: Common Beliefs on Sex Outside Marriage, Homosexuality, Masturbation and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya

Kenya has more than 40 ethnic groups, each having some distinct differences in their beliefs and engagement with issues of sexuality issues. However, there still exists some commonalities that cut across the entire country. It is the common belief that a lot of young Kenyans are engaging in premarital sex. However, the fact that there may be much sexual activity amongst unmarried people has not changed society’s attitude towards this behaviour. It is still viewed as immoral. Religion plays a major role in sustaining the moral attitudes and total condemnation of pre-marital sex. This total condemnation of premarital sex is not always supported by comprehensive sexuality education programs. Read full article. 
By Nyokabi Kamau, Susan Chebet, Jane Godia and Bilhah Om'mbango Hagembe
   
   

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 3rd Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights

Individuals and institutions wishing to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations at the conference are invited to make their submissions.
Conference website

VIEWPOINT: Homosexuality, Human Rights and the Media in Africa

Western journalists have a poor reputation for their coverage of Africa. Stories often cater to and exploit popular imagery of the continent as a place of savage violence, corruption, decrepitude and victimization. Coverage of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is particularly weak. If it happens at all, coverage tends to emphasize Africans' supposedly exotic and dangerous sexuality (baby rape, widow inheritance, widow cleansing and the like). That narrative line is typically counterbalanced with stirring stories of selfless white people who go to help.Read full article.
By Marc Epprecht

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION

ARSRC welcome submissions related to the future issues of the magazine and also other areas of sexuality, sexual health and rights in Africa. These articles should be objective, analytical and reflect current issues and debates i.e. taking a broader approach to sexuality and taking the sexuality discourse beyond health to integrate the expression of sexuality without guilt or fear. Read full article.