Sex, Sexuality & Self-Indulgence
WeekendLife
Feminists, human rights defenders and queer folks say there is an increase in public discourse on sexual autonomy. Sexual autonomy is conceptualized as a human right to protect and maintain an informed decision over one’s body, sexuality and sexual experiences.
In an exclusive interview with WeekendLife, renowned queer youth feminist and founder of Success Capital Organization, Dumi Gasha, said they have been pushing the boundaries on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) discourse.
Although SRHR remains a contentious issue in education, policy and legal spheres, there are clear negative impacts on health outcomes when there are no protections from discrimination and inequality.
“This includes sexual and gender diverse communities, the exercising of choice and pleasure as a concept. The lack of access to privacy, confidentiality and adequate information are other contributors to negative health outcomes. More especially rights related to sexuality, which are normally excluded in most Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE), policy and public discourse,” Gasha told this publication this week.
Sexuality has been embedded within international law despite its politicization, Gasha said. “Politics have impacted Bodily Autonomy and Integrity (BAI), family planning and contraceptive options whilst perpetuating power and gender imbalances beyond just SRHR. Politics polarize sexual and gender diversity even when there are inclusive laws and policies. Thus, gender and sexual minorities often left behind when progress on sexual rights is reported.”
Gasha stressed that this can be applied to health-related rights, sustainable development and justice. “Sex is a basic need. Sexual arousal, which precedes sex, can emerge without any exploring or stimulation. An underlying aspect of being and sexual arousal is sexuality. Sexuality can manifest in thought, fantasy, desire, values, behavior, gender roles or practice. Thus, for many, puberty often brings sexual curiosity and exploration; this is attributed to people’s hormone.”
Further, and according to Gasha, genes and one’s surroundings further affirm how one engages, associates and assimilates with sex and sexuality. For many, how one engages is dependent on the knowledge acquired or assumed, norms within their contexts and their surroundings.
“One of the key determinants to one’s sexual trajectory is CSE. CSE programmes do not always give enough information to young people, more especially for sexual and gender diversity. They do not adequately equip young people with the skills to navigate relationships, sex and sexuality. One of the more progressive approaches to CSE and SRHR is an integrating pleasure. This approach has improved learning outcomes for students. This serves as a basis to strengthen public discourse and evidence for integrating pleasure in SRHR and public health,” highlighted Gasha.
Gasha noted that CSE has been proved to delay introduction or initiation to sex, with more likelihood of using contraceptives. Although it remains a contested issue for school curricula, it has proved to have long-term impact in sexual activity and engagement.
“CSE should be progressive in level of information to equip students fully. Attempts to integrate pleasure, has elicited fears of possible unprotected sex among youth. Thus, it brings challenge to strengthening CSE for young people in or outside school environments. Previous research efforts have found pleasure related discourse to encourage risky sexual behavior.”
When expanding more on this, Gasha stressed that this may be one of the reasons some jurisdictions require approval for teachers to talk about pleasure in CSE classes.
“The United States CSE curricula is focused on avoiding unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. It loses opportunity to educate on BAI, consent, nurturing health relationships and pleasure. More importantly, other research efforts have found that there are less risky sexual behaviors among higher educated people. This affirms how a progressively sex positive approaches to CSE would allow for understanding pleasure. CSE on its own is insufficient. The structural, normative and prevalent influences of sex, sexuality and bodies should be acknowledged and addressed to ensure affirmative CSE for all people.”
Humanity has survived on sexual reproduction, with companionship driving how society is built, Gasha explained the history of sex. This, according to Gasha’s sentiments, is evidenced in culture, tradition and how roles can be based on gender, class, and other social determinants. Social capital, order and life are influenced and largely driven by history.
“We see it manifest as practices are passed down generations, even where colonial elements might have had an influence. There has been documentation of sexual intercourse for so many years now and among other species. Social constructs, capital and life are immutable and often defined by society.”
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.