Male reproductive responsibility is expanding. Scientists have developed an oral male contraceptive that is 99 per cent effective in mice with no evident side effects. The team will start human trials before the end of the year, but will a version of a male birth control pill finally become available for mass distribution?
Sex education
Politics and Society No support, No say: The hypocrisy of Anti-abortion Laws
Anti-abortion laws do not stop abortions from happening they decrease access to safe abortions. Does the pro-life agenda of ‘saving lives’ outrightly ignore preventable maternal deaths and morbidities? And does it saddle women with the brunt of a broken education and healthcare system?
Lifestyle South Africa approves the use of the Dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention
Women in South Africa from 18 years of age and older have the green light to use the DPV-VR Ring. The silicone ring gives women an alternative preventative measure against HIV thus advancing sexual reproductive health rights for women in the country.
Politics and Society “SHE SOARS” Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for out-of-school adolescent girls
The “SHE SOARS” project is advocating for the adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights of female school dropouts in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The end of the project may bring about accountable and equitable adolescent SRHR policies, legal frameworks, and services in the respective countries.
Lifestyle Childhood sex education reduces risky sexual behaviour: a Nigerian case study
Parents have the primary role of educating their children about their sexuality. But cultural beliefs and taboos about sex can work strongly against their efforts.
Politics and Society Tanzanian girls need support, not threats, to avoid pregnancy
Tanzania’s government must focus on the drivers of teenage pregnancy, which are entirely overlooked in current punitive policies, instead of expelling and arresting schoolgirls.
Arts, Culture and Sport Zambian teens can’t talk about sex or contraception, even with their friends
There isn’t much space in Zambia’s rural areas for open, judgement-free communication with friends and parents about sexual matters.
Lifestyle Dark Juices and Aphrodisiacs: A glimpse into the sensual lives of queer Africa
Seeking to mainstream the often othered narratives of queer women and non-binary persons “Dark Juices and Aphrodisiacs” is an anthology that explores the sensual lives of queer Africa. Using some well-known and some new voices from across the continent, the anthology opens up a new outlook on pleasure.
African identities Black conservativism and the everyday pleasure aesthetic
Black women across gender lines are pushing back against the gaze of patriarchy, policing and respectability by owning their bodies and exploring pleasure on their own terms. Ntombizikhona Valela explores how women are defining for themselves a pleasure aesthetic that centres on their humanity and reclaiming ownership of their bodies.