Frankly Dedoyin

I recall reading some time ago an African Writers' Series novel 'Changes' authored 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 e...

The topic of sexual violence still remains largely ignored even in this age. Sadly, like every public health challenge, denial only worsens its menace. It carries patriarchal, misogynist and gender bias undertones. It thus becomes pertinent to acknowledge the scourge of sexual violence in our national and cultural life. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes sex violence as " any sexual act or any attempt to obtain sexual act , unwanted sexual comments or advances , acts to traffic or otherwise directed , against a person's sexuality using coercion by any person regardless of their relationship with the victim in any setting including but not limited to home and work ." The root causes of sexual violence are complex and like many other crimes, it may not be completely explicable or understood by a single factor. However, one of the most underscored factors associated with sexual violence is the subjection of culture. It is noteworthy that the diversity...

Traditional medicine (TM) or native medicine is an essential aspect of the rich cultural heritage across the globe that has survived many generations, focusing on the indigenous way of preventing, diagnosing and managing diseases. Amongst the most widely known and globally practiced forms of native medicine are: Ayurveda; Unani; Tibetan medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine and African Traditional Medicine. In Africa, native medicine arguably accounts for up to 80% of the health care delivery according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). These, therefore underscores the global relevance and increasing recognition of traditional medicine as a veritable tool in addressing Man’s health needs. In a bid to accommodate the worldwide diversity of cultures and their indigenous mode of traditional medicine practices, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined traditional medicine as: “the sum total of all the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and expe...

CONTENT PROMOTION Source : www.rfi.fr URL : http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200505-artemisia-madagascar-s-coronavirus-cure-or-covid-19-quackery-covid-organics-malaria "Madagascars President Andry Rajoelina gave a long, televised address last weekend praising the benefits of artemisia, a herbal remedy increasingly promoted as a treatment for Covid-19. It's also gaining traction in other African countries. But the World Health Organization has warned it must be tested for efficacy and adverse side effects. The president called for people to continue following measures put in place to stop the spread of the virus. But much of Rajoelinas address focused on artemisia. He talked about increasing production of the plant and setting up a factory to process it over the next month.  This plant can treat lots of diseases. If we dont act quickly, other researchers will overtake us, said Rajoelina, as reported by RFI correspondent Laetitia Bezain.  During a one-and...

We are haunted by the blood of our ancestors. The angry spirits of our gods. I travelled several heavens 'til I was forced into this dank part where the sun never shines. I was born by the river bank in the presence of the celestial spirits of our ancestors while the older women laboured over my mother in the middle of the cloudless night. I remember, now like then, it was dark... eerily dark I started crying. The jetty was dead quiet except for the crackling of weak fire and frogs croaking for their lovers. This place I was told was so named for the abomination it is - THE LAND OF THE WITCHES. Thirty-six they were in their coven; they represented the thirty six clans in our village. For any visitor, one might see an almost disintegrated wooden sign post perched at a corner on the mouth of the riverine settlement. The sign read in an ominously whimsical handwriting - BEWARE! THE WICKEDNESS OF THE LAND. In the village, you might catch a hazy glimpse of a tragic wonder - ...