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

Sexuality in the Media: Emerging Issues in Africa
women, the husband's infidelity is not considered a major reason for breaking a
relationship or divorce.
Infidelity was also discussed from an economic perspective as it could lead to
economic ruin of a family since it involves spending money on other women.
Pre-Marital Sex
Table 12: Frequency of Newspaper Reports on Pre-marital Sex
Themes
Reported
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
Pre-marital sex 4 4% 3 4% 1 1% 2 4%
- -
All the newspapers except The Comet reported on pre-marital sex. Although the
prevalence of pre-marital sex was observed, it was generally condemned due to
unwanted consequences (Guardian, 29.6.04:16) such as STDs, HIV/AIDS,
abortion, single parenthood (Guardian, 23.2.04: p22). Youths were therefore
enjoined not to engage in pre-marital sex (Guardian, 15.2.04: p16; Punch,
10.4.2004: p15).
Pre-marital sex was connected with wider health issues especially reproductive
health issues. Unwanted pregnancy which could result in abortion or single
parenthood was stressed. Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), STDs and HIV/AIDS
were also mentioned.
The condemnation of pre-marital sex even with the overwhelming evidence of
its existence also indicates the moral hypocrisy of the society which preaches
abstinence even though the preachers of abstinence are also those who entice
the youths to premarital sex. For instance, a pastor was reported to have
impregnated a 15 year old girl (Punch, 25.04.04: p24). Feasible and alternative
ways of channeling the sexual urges of the youth were rarely suggested.
There was always gender bias in the condemnation of pre-marital sex as it was
always reported as if young females were the only group engaged in it. This is
also related to the traditional ideal of maintaining sexual innocence especially
by the girls till marriage when they would fetch a good bride price and prestige
for the parents and hopefully self-esteem and respect for the bride.
Virginity
Table 13: Frequency of Newspaper Reports on Virginity
Themes
Reported
Virginity
The Sun The Vanguard The Guardian The Punch The Comet
No. Of
Times
- -
%
No. Of
Times
%
2 2%
Newspapers
No. Of
Times
- -
No. Of
No. Of
% %
%
Times
Times
2 4%
- -
Closely related to the discussion on premarital sex were a few reports on
virginity which was seen as desirable for the girls and they were encouraged to
cherish and protect it (Vanguard, 20.6.04: p32; Punch, 24.1.04: p3). This is
necessary for their self respect, self esteem, for their future husband's respect
and for protection against diseases and unwanted pregnancies. However, one
of the writers opines that virginity should be forgotten and sexual responsibility
enthroned (Punch, 24.4.04:p 5).
The discussion on virginity was embedded in the socio-religious discussion of
sexual morality or fornication. Virginity was discussed in association with the
female youths meaning that male youths are not bound by the socio-religious
morality which is expected of the female youths.
Prostitution
Table 14: Frequency of Newspaper Reports on Prostitution
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
Prostitution 2 2% 2 2% 5 7% 2 4% - -