Married Men’s Perceptions of Their Wives’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: A Study Conducted in the Rural Area of Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Married women often become victims of STIs and HIV due to inability to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights. The present study was conducted to explore married men’s perceptions and experiences regarding their partners’ sexual and reproductive rights. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 rural, married men in Lephalale villages of Waterberg District in Limpopo Province. The main findings highlight women’s lack of autonomy within their marriage. The findings further suggest that rural married women are at risk due to their socioeconomic status, religion, and sociocultural influences that silence and deny them the opportunity to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights.