Students‘attitudes towards reproductive health and rights in the university of Limpopo (Turf loop campus) – South Africa: A Social work perspective

Abstract

Despite policy instruments, sound knowledge through education programmes and campaigns, female students are still assailed by health and social pathologies with regard to their reproductive health and rights. Patriarchy still accounts for the historical pattern of reproductive health for women in intimate relationship. Moreover, academic progress of female students is compromised due to the fact that they have to satisfy their male counterparts by giving birth to children. Female students are also vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections more than their male counterparts, as the belief is that utilisation of a condom is un-African. In case women advance their reproductive health concerns and rights to their male partners, they are viewed and regarded as they are belittling and disrespecting them and mostly result in physical, emotional and verbal abuse.