Pastoral care to or with sex-starved pregnant women in an African context

Abstract

The aim of this article is to highlight some African women’s problematic sex life, even in their married lives, as a result of prescribed and lengthy periods of abstinence from sex – especially during pregnancy. Literature studies, especially on Yoruba sexual practices, showed that forced abstinence from sexual activity during pregnancy is rife and that many women seem content with the situation, probably as a result of their internalisation of patriarchal beliefs and values, prescribed as a means of socialisation. This phenomenon of abstinence from sexual intercourse during pregnancy by the women in some African societies is the focus of the study. The article examined the following: views of sex amongst Black African people, medical views of sex and views of sex in Christian tradition. Also examined at length was the phenomenon of abstinence from sex in an African context. The findings led to a critical evaluation of the phenomenon and a search for pastoral guidelines that could facilitate transformation, intimacy and committed sexual life in African families

The Critical Role of Selected Swiyila (Taboos) in Rural Democratic South Africa: A Theological Perspective

“…Such taboos are based on the underlying belief that menstrual blood or blood at childbirth is "dirty" and renders a woman unclean (Shoko 2009, 3). Although the menstrual taboos would assist men to avoid sexual intercourse until the end of the bleeding, which can be unhealthy for some, most of these taboos either directly or indirectly made it possible for men to oppress women, and to cohabit with other women (Baloyi and Manala 2013). Another consideration would be the avoidance of contaminating the kraal or garden (where vegetables are planted), with menstrual blood.…”

The role of patriarchy and its influences on domestic violence against females and children in Africa: An indigenous perspective

“…It is that period when a female's status is about to change forever, as she would thereafter be known as a mother. Baloyi and Manala (2013) aver that a mother is regarded as a precious ornament, and a pregnant female will therefore guard her pregnancy by observing all the traditional practices to attain the status of motherhood. The high value placed on children and childbearing is expressed in the Yoruba culture through the different proverbs that show the value of children and how they should be cared for.…”

“…According to Baloyi et al (2013), in Botswana, one of the reasons for abstinence is related to the impurity associated with pregnancy. Baloyi et al (2013) state that a pregnant female is impure from the time of conception till the baby is weaned and, therefore, should not engage in sex. They also stated that as bringing the baby to life is a sacred process, the female must not contaminate the baby's innocence.…”

Working with indigenous knowledge: Strategies for health professionals

“…Avoidance of sex during pregnancy is associated with different reasons. According to Baloyi et al (2013), in Botswana, one of the reasons for abstinence is related to the impurity associated with pregnancy. Baloyi et al (2013) state that a pregnant female is impure from the time of conception till the baby is weaned and, therefore, should not engage in sex.…”