Sexuality in Media: Emerging Issues in Africa - Africa Regional ...

Sexuality in the Media: Emerging Issues in Africa
Rape was sometimes connected to other health issues such as HIV/AIDS and
other STDs, depression, and other psychological problems such as lack of self
esteem.
The report on rape strengthened the argument of male aggression on women as
an exercise of their dominant role. That the rapists were not tried and the victims
did not get justice reflect the socio-legal condition of the country in which
sexual crimes are not taken seriously. Rape elicits shame and most times is not
reported and justice is never done especially if it happens within the family.
The report about women rapists contradict the commonly held ideas that only
men could rape. Reports of armed robbers raping women even in commercial
buses shows the vulnerability of women to men's aggression.
Sexuality Education
Table 7: Frequency of Newspaper Reports on Sexuality Education
Themes
Reported
Sexuality Education
The Sun The Vanguard The Guardian The Punch The Comet
No. Of
Times
- -
%
No. Of
Times
%
Newspapers
No. Of
Times
No. Of
No. Of
% %
%
Times
Times
6 7% 2 3% 1 2%
- -
Sexuality education did not receive much coverage. The Vanguard reported
more on this issue 7% (Vanguard, 15.4.04, 20.4.04, 22.4.04, 27.4.04 in The
Human Angle Column). Nevertheless, The Guardian which gave only 3% of its
reports on S/SH/SR to this important subject (Guardian, 21.3.2004: 13) made it
once an editorial issue (Guardian, 29.2.2004:p6). The Guardian editorial
expressed the opinion that sexuality as a subject should be introduced into
secondary schools so as to enlighten the students on how to approach their
sexuality positively and provide available choices on sexuality issues. This
would contribute to self protection against unwanted pregnancies, the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases and promote good human relationship. However
some articles though encouraging the introduction of sexuality education
cautioned that if not well handled, it could backfire and promote promiscuity
(Punch, 13.3.2004: p2).
The absence of sexuality education was held responsible for unwanted teenage
pregnancies, STDs, and HIV/AIDS. It was in the light of this that the Enugu
State Government in Southeast Nigeria introduced HIV/AIDS into the school
curriculum (Guardian, 19.1.04:p6). This followed the example of the Lagos
State Government which had earlier adopted a sex education curriculum.
That sexuality education did not find much coverage is in line with the sociocultural
context in which sexuality matters are not supposed to be discussed
outside marriage.
The call for sexuality education as advocated in the Editorial of The Guardian
contradicts and challenges the socio-cultural context which sees sexuality
education as a means of encouraging promiscuity.
Marriage
Table 8: Frequency of Newspaper Reports on Marriage
Themes
Reported
The Sun The Vanguard The Guardian The Punch The Comet
No. Of
Times
%
Print Media Coverage Of Sexuality Issues in Nigeria
No. Of
Times
%
Newspapers
No. Of
Times
No. Of
No. Of
% %
%
Times
Times
Marriage 4 4% 8 10% 7 10% 1 2% 1 2%
This theme was frequently reported on. The Vanguard and The Guardian
devoted 10% of their publications on S/S/SR to this subject. Discussed were the
desire of young women to get married, their frustrations and sometimes their
triumphs. Marriage was portrayed as a desirable institution with socio-economic
benefits and the only institution in which sexuality can best be experienced and
expressed. It was presented as an institution which fosters social cohesion within
and between families. Issues of marriage were concerned with consensual adult
marriage. Marital responsibilities were discussed (Guardian, 28.3.04: p31).
There were discussions on how to make a marriage work and stop divorce
(Comet, 7.2.04: p20; 13.3.04: p19).
However The Sun (2.2.04: Woman of the Sun) sees marriage as an overrated
institution which most times does not bring to reality what it promises.