A RAPE HERITAGE

I recall reading some time ago a African Writers' Series novel 'Changes' written by Ata Ama Aidoo. One of the sub-themes of the novel was on the issue of rape: Was it possible to rape one's wife? 

I asked a few people thereafter and observed their answers were split along the boundaries of the diverse African cultural values and religious doctrines on marriage.

Rape has been described as the psychological extension of a dominant - submissive sex-role stereotype culture. And oftentimes, isn't it true that our culture determine what we interpret as normal.

In a socio-centric milieu such as Nigeria, rape is nearly reported every day in the dailies and the incidence are growing at an unbelievably astronomical level. In spite of this, there are still many unreported cases.

It is estimated that as high as 67 - 84 % of cases of rape and other sexually related violence are unreported due to their sensitivity. This makes it even difficult to gather exact figures and true sense of the problem. The number of unreported cases of rape may be higher in Nigeria owing to the fact that in many cultures, virginity is highly valued and a woman's modesty of utmost importance, often linked to the reverence for her family.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines rape, a form of  sexual violence underlining the terms 'coercion' and 'force', noting that there were culturally idiosyncrasies with respect to what is labeled as 'forced' sexual intercourse.

In many African countries, it is observed that the girl - child has no independent control of her sexuality. She is expected to get married and produce children. This shifts the control of her sexuality from one man (the father) to the other (the husband). This is well known pattern in cultures that have traditional patriarchal values, taking Nigeria as a case study.

One study reported that in cultures where man and his manly role are prized better; additional perceived and real power may encourage them to think of women as their 'right'. In such cases, if a woman resists sexual intercourse, it may be perceived as a direct threat by the male counterpart to his masculinity, triggering a male identity crisis. Sexual control and violence is seen a way to resolve the crisis.

 Another study conducted on 156 societal structures found that rape a vital part of the sociocultural configuration and have been linked to interpersonal violence, male dominance, an ideology of toughness in men and weakness in women.

In Nigeria, don't we hear of an highly prevalent stereotype cliché that rape is often provoked  by an attractively, scantily and seductively dressed woman who is out alone in the night; such situation influences a man who then goes on to commit sexual violence (rape).

The total blame for a rape crime is often dumped on the victim in the public moot court, further victimizing her in the process. This is unacceptable, hypocritical and a show of blind prejudice at play.

Given the facts (as supported by media reports) that acquaintance rape is more common than stranger rape, I strongly believe it is merely mythical that only the young, attractive, seductively dressed woman is raped.

The real or perceived vulnerability of the victim is a far more important issue compared to attire or attractiveness.

Author: Shobo Mayowa

Resource: Guwinder K. and Dinesh B. (2013). Indian Journal of Psychiatry.