Global rights, local realities

Negotiating gender equality and sexual rights in the Caprivi Region, Namibia

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15098702
AutoresF Thomas (0000-0002-7572-3030, University of London, autor correspondente)
Ano2007
Volume9
Fascículo6
Páginas599-614
Data de publicação2007-11-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691050701526263
PMID17963099
OpenAlexW2056356870
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas11
Referências citadas18

Gender inequalities are frequently cited as a major reason for high HIV-prevalence rates in southern Africa. While steps have been taken to promote and pass legislation that upholds equal rights for women, this paper examines the ways in which discourses of gender equality and ensuing sexual rights can have complex, contradictory and even adverse implications when they are mobilised, resisted and reinterpreted at local level. Drawing upon research undertaken in the Caprivi Region of Namibia, this paper examines this ways in which men and women respond to ideas about gender equality, and seeks to place these responses within the wider context of socioeconomic change and understandings of morality prevalent within the region. The tendency of many young women to seek out relationships with older men and the increasing costs of bride-wealth payments play a key role in reinforcing patriarchal attitudes and fuelling disrespect for women's rights both before and within marriage. In addition, a failure to adhere to customary norms, which uphold men's dominant role, continues to threaten the support networks and assets available to women. The consequences of this situation are examined with particular focus on implications for the future transmission of HIV

Context (archaeology · Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Human rights · Inequality · Legislation · Morality · Negotiation · Political science · Population · Socioeconomic status · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Demography · Gender Studies · Law · Sex work and related issues