Page 23 - Spring Graduation Booklet (SESSION-1)(19Oct2022)

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, SOCIETY & DEVELOPMENT
FACULTY OF EDUCATION A&
HUMAN SCIENCES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SOCIOLOGY

CANDIDATE: MOGOTSI Immaculate

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

INCLUSION OF DRY SEX AND POLYGYNY IN HIV AND AIDS
BEHAVIOR CHANGE PROGRAMMES: CASE STUDIES FROM
SELECTED NGOs IN THE ZAMBEZI REGION, NAMIBIA

The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the supervision of Prof Lucy
Edwards-Jauch (University of Namibia) who was the Main Supervisor and Dr Artwell
Nhemachena (University of Namibia), who served as Co-supervisor.

The study explored HIV risk posed by cultural practices of dry sex and polygyny for
women in the Zambezi region. The study further assessed the inclusion of dry sex
and polygyny in HIV and AIDS behavior change programmes. There appear to be
a practical-knowledge gap on how to identify and integrate cultural practices like
polygyny and dry sex in HIV and AIDS behavior change programmes. Both polygyny
and dry sex perpetuate HIV among women. Multiple concurrent sexual relationships in
polygynous marriages, and the use of herbs to facilitate dry sex leads to vaginal and
penial gland tearing during sex. These increases the chance of HIV infection.

The study combined qualitative research methodologies, namely, narrative inquiry
with, in-depth interviews, field notes and document analysis as the main tools of data
collection. A total of 33 research participants were interviewed in Katima Mulilo,
Kabbe and Windhoek. The main theoretical frameworks used were Vygotsky’s Social
Constructivist theory and Connell’s theory of Gender and Power. These promoted the
understanding of socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality and the unequal power
relations which make women vulnerable to HIV infection.
The study recommends the use of culturally appropriate HIV and AIDS prevention
programmes that include polygyny and dry sex. Furthermore, that HIV sentinel
surveillance should include Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questions on dry sex and
polygyny. There is a need for collaboration between social sciences and biomedical
sciences to assess the medicinal and toxicity properties of herbs used during dry sex.
The study advocates a culturally conscious, reflexive approach to exploring polygyny
and dry sex to accord the necessary respect and dignity for the research participants.

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