Disability and Sexuality in Zimbabwe: Voices from the Periphery

2017 | Gender Studies

Disabled women represent one of the most marginalised minority groups in the world, but are largely silent while their sexuality is ignored, suppressed, forbidden and buried underneath the carpet. Until recently, most of the Global Northern published literature on the subject of the sexuality of disabled women has predominantly been constructed from hearsay and second-hand narratives in studies which draw from the perspectives of parents, service providers and advocates, without much consultation of the relevant women. By facilitating the voice of disabled women in Zimbabwe and illuminating their experiences of sexuality, this book hopes to shift the experiences of sexuality of disabled women from the periphery of society to the fore. Disability and Sexuality in Zimbabwe presents original research on an issue that is not found in local research data.

Whilst addressing the paucity of literature on the subject, the book also enhances the existing body of knowledge by making recommendations towards the development of a disability and sexuality framework that is rooted in the African context, and which informs policy, practice by individuals, civil society, Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) among others. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of African Studies, sociology, health, gender, as well as policy makers, donors and disability rights organizations.

Christine Peta (Author)