Sexual Health and Sexual Rights within Marriage

Abstract

Women are more vulnerable to HIV infection than men and are becoming
infected at a faster rate. With their limited choices in sexual decisions, a link has been found between gender inequality and the sexual health conditions in many societies. This paper which relies on secondary data source, examines women’s subordinate position in the institution of marriage among the three major tribes, Hausa, Yoruba and Ibos. The paper argues that achieving sexual health which has become imperative with the emergence of the pandemic of Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) infection, increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), growing recognition of public health concern, with respect to issues such as; gender related violence, and sexual dysfunction, could only be attained in a culture where there is respect for sexual rights and health of women. The paper concludes by stating the effects of persistent violation of women’s sexual rights and the attendant
consequences which include inability of women to assess voluntary
counseling, increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and
inability to reduce mother-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria.