Customary Marriages and Young Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Makwarela (South Africa) And Concession (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

Patriarchy continues to place limitations on women’s rights in many societies. This is manifested by the unequal gender power relations between sexes, which also adversely impact women’s sexual and reproductive health rights. The well-being and health of women are compromised by society’s indifference to women’s sexual and reproductive health rights. Using the key human rights principles of non-discrimination and gender equality, this study aims to promote women’s rights and emancipation, through the abolition of primordial cultural practices in customary marriages which infringe on the rights and dignity of young women. This study interrogated, compared, and analysed the effects of customary marriages on women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and gender equality in Makwarela (South Africa) and Concession (Zimbabwe). A mixed method approach was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed. The qualitative results assisted in the development of a survey instrument for the quantitative phase of the study. Data were collected from young women aged between 18 and 40 years who are engaged in customary marriages and men in customary marriages who are aged between 20 and 45 years. The collected data were purposively sampled for the qualitative study using a semi-structured interview. The quantitative phase surveyed 802 participants (i.e. 401 from each country) who were selected randomly. Data were analysed using narrative analysis and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that payment of roora/mamalo affects the power dynamics in the family which subordinates women to men and makes it difficult for women to assert their sexual and reproductive health rights. The study reveals that there are various challenges that women face in their customary marriages which impede the enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health rights. The study exposed challenges like the effects of dry sex, being unable to practise safe sex, and widowhood rites of being celibate. The study also found that relationship control factors make it difficult for wives to refuse sexual advances from their husbands as well as to negotiate for condom use. The study also put forward the intervention strategies that can be used for the promotion and protection of sexual and reproductive health rights of women. The study recommends that the Multi-level Approach to Strengthen, Protect, and Promote Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Women be adopted to facilitate women’s enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health rights in its entirety.