EDITORIAL: Unusual Marriage and Sexual Health and Rights in Africa

What is unusual about marriage in Africa? From the definition adopted in this paper, the answer would be nothing, because even in the smallest community, there are always particular long-term commitments alongside the dominant general patterns of marriage. Indeed, most relationships can be called unusual because they were in the blind spot for a very long time or they are emerging or they do not strictly conform to at least one of many (sometimes unknown) attributes of pre marital and marital lives or to the marriage process itself.   Unless one makes a deliberate effort to see the immediate surroundings, many happenings will remain invisible. Read full article
By Richmond Tiemoko

ISSUE IN FOCUS: The Changing Dynamics of Relationships in Africa

In this Q&A, Mr. Tewodros Melesse, Regional Director of the Africa Region of International Planned Parenthood Federation, discusses the changing dynamics of relationships in Africa. He asserts that the way that the society is organized, the way one gets ideas, and education all influence the types of relationships we engage in. Read full article
ISSUE IN FOCUS: An Inclusive Definition of Marriage for Same Gender Lovers

In this Q&A, Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay, ordained Christian minister and theologian, and openly gay pastor pastor of House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church in Lagos, Nigeria, talks about same sex relationship within the Nigerian culture, the challenges same sex individuals face in forming long term relationships, and the role of the law in protecting same sex individuals from violence. Read full article
   
   

FEATURE: 'Come We Stay' Marriages In Kenya: Implications For Sexual Health

'Come we stay' relationships, also called cohabitation, refer to unmarried heterosexual couples living together in an intimate relationship. They are arrangements not sanctioned by either civil, religious or traditional authority but where a man and woman decide to live together as husband and wife. In Kenya, there are no available statistics on 'come we stays' since they are not recognized by the state, but it is evident that they are on the rise especially among young people in urban areas.
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VIEWPOINT: Marriage to the Grave and other Forms of Marriage

In an interview with Louisa Ibhaze and Folake Sholola, historian Marc Epprecht discussed the evolving nature and forms of marriage in Africa.
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VIEWPOINT: Martial Union Undefined...

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