Dr Fiona Scorgie of the Gender AIDS Forum presented on Pleasure or Pain? Women’s Perceptions of Harm and Sexual Risk: a Qualitative Study of Vaginal Practices in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Research on vaginal practices for ‘dry sex’ in sub-Saharan Africa has established that many of these practices pose distinct health risks for women, particularly where HIV infection rates are high. Drawing on an ethnographic study of vaginal practices in KwaZulu-Natal province conducted in 2005 and 2006, this paper addresses a largely under-researched theme, namely, women’s own perceptions of the practices’ potential for harm, and the manner in which such risk-assessment is defined by local sexual politics. Women’s views on this subject are also contrasted with those of local health workers.

To view Fiona’s presentation, please click here