All About the Conceptualization of Sexuality in Africa
Family Planning News Network (FPNN) Community Reporter Innocent Grant had a chance to speak with Doctoral Student and Sexuality Researcher Anthony Senanu from the University of Cape Coast Department of Sociology and Anthropology after his session, “Conceptualization of Sexuality in Africa,” at the ninth African Population Conference (APC) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
They discussed the meaning of the word “sexuality,” and how many aspects of what it encompasses are overlooked. “It goes beyond LGBT rights,” Anthony said. Sexuality involves individual preferences, orientations, circumstances, and more.
How Do Norms in the African Context Affect People’s Sexuality
Innocent and Anthony spoke about the sensitivities around openly discussing topics related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)—including sexuality—in the African continent. As result, Anthony attests that researchers, policymakers, and advocates need to learn the laws, norms, beliefs, and traditions of the people within the subregions in which they are working. Otherwise, efforts made to bolster SRHR services and individuals’ quality of life may be met with resistance and fall short.
Many ongoing practices within these contexts, like female genital mutilation (FGM) and intimate partner violence, are clear examples of how norms directly affect women’s sexual and reproductive health. However, sexual pleasure, agency, and access to contraception are all also important in the realization of true sexual health and wellbeing.
Anthony said that global meetings like the African Population Conference are key to bringing these conversations forward on what is needed to improve lives and protect all things related to sexuality.
Timestamps of Key Moments:
0:37 - QUESTION: Conceptualization of sexuality in Africa. What does it mean?
1:40 - QUESTION: Talking about sexuality in the African continent is quite sensitive. When we talk about sexuality, it goes beyond LGBT rights. In your session, you talked about how understanding sexuality in the African continent involves getting to know the norms, traditions, and beliefs of the African people. It also involves thought around people with disabilities, gender-based violence, practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), and more. How does this all relate to sexuality?
4:26 - QUESTION: So what's the way forward now for the African continent to shape the narratives around sexuality and linking it to better sexual and reproductive health outcomes?
Watch the full conversation between Innocent and Anthony below!