Opinions on masculinities are varied. Some highlight the toxicity associated with certain expressions of masculinity,while others argue cultural considerations. It is crucial to understand how men, often at the centre of these debates,perceive and enact masculinity in both their personal identities and social interactions. This paper explores masculinitythrough a face-to-face group discussion with ten male students from a South African higher education institution.Guided by a critical conscientisation framework and using animal traits analogies, the students engaged in a selfawareness and identity enhancement exercise. Their goal was to decode the concept of masculinity as it pertained totheir experiences and to consider how these constructed understandings might predispose them to socially unacceptable behaviours. A critical discourse analysis of the data revealed that the students resonated strongly with diverse animal traits, were keenly aware of the associated discursive practices, and recognised how these traits influenced their interactions with others. Within the masculinity studies, this critical conscientisation angle has a potential to provide a clearer conceptualisation of masculinity viewed from lived experience, and a realisation of how uninterrogated masculine behaviours could predispose men to GBV.
Adolescent girls and young women carry a disproportionate burden of HIV and AIDS worldwide, with South Africaamong the most affected countries. Even though it is the only female-initiated method providing dual protection againstHIV and unintended pregnancy, the female condom remains underused and inconsistently adopted, despite proveneffectiveness and availability. Limited research has examined its use within rural higher education settings. This studyexplored female students’ perceptions of the female condom at the University of Venda, a rural institution in LimpopoProvince. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, which emphasises perceived usefulness and ease of use, the studyexamined factors influencing acceptance of the female condom. Data were collected using a pledge-wall at the campushealth clinic, where 51 female students voluntarily shared their perceptions. Although there was no age limit forparticipation, the only inclusion criterion was being a female UniVen student. The biographical profiles of the femalestudents involved in the in-depth interviews show that most participants were undergraduates, mainly first- to thirdyear students, aged between 20 and 24. A few outliers were aged 26 to 28, and some were in their fourth year. Thematicanalysis identified key patterns, revealing that both aesthetic and technical aspects of the female condom limit its socialacceptability and practical use. A clear gap exists between the product design and what end users prefer. This studycontributes to gender-responsive HIV prevention research by highlighting the importance of developing better femaleinitiated protective methods. Suggestions include redesigning the female condom to improve its visual appeal andusability, aiming to boost acceptance and support sexual and reproductive health equity
Background: Sleep disturbances and psychological disorders are increasingly prevalent among undergraduate students, with implications for academic functioning and overall well-being. This study examined the prevalence of sleepdisturbances and psychological disorders, and the influence of gender and sleep patterns on psychological disorders among undergraduates at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed involving 355 undergraduate students (mean age = 21.06 years)selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Brief Symptom Checklist (SCL-13) to assesspsychological disorders and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measure sleep patterns. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, Pearson product–moment correlation, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were used for data analysis.Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of psychological disorders (65.4%) and sleep disturbance (59.4%) amongstudents. A significant positive relationship was found between sleep disturbance and psychological disorders (r = .489, p < .05). Gender did not significantly influence psychological disorders at the multivariate level (Pillai’s Trace F(1,353) =0.263, p = .933, η² = .004) or across subscales, including somatisation (F = 0.142, p = .707), OCD (F = 0.112, p = .738),depression (F = 0.260, p = .611), anxiety (F = 0.308, p = .579), and neuroticism (F = 1.278, p = .259). Similarly, nosignificant gender difference was observed in sleep patterns (t(353) = 1.951, p > .05). However, gender showed a smallbut significant effect on sleep disturbance in MANOVA (F(1,353) = 3.81, p < .05), while the overall multivariate effectremained non-significant (Pillai’s Trace F(2,352) = 1.93, p > .05, η² = .011).Conclusion: Irregular sleep patterns are significantly associated with increased psychological disorders amongundergraduates, irrespective of gender. Interventions should prioritise sleep hygiene, stress management, and accessible counselling services, with gender-neutral approaches targeting shared academic and environmental stressors.
Apparently, gender dynamics are experiencing a paradigm shift that incrementally sees men as victims of gender-based violence, a phenomenon largely ignored in academic discourse and policy responses. This is perhaps giving the phenomenon an opportunity to thrive unabetted. Gender-based violence against men is examined in this review of the literature, with an emphasis on intimate relationships where women may be the perpetrators. The study aims to investigate the dynamics surrounding GBV meted out against men, as well as the obstacles they encounter when trying to report abuse and get help. To analyse the body of research on the subject, a qualitative literature review design was used. Academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, ResearchGate, EBSCOhost, and the Walter Sisulu University library database were used to gather pertinent sources. 34 journal articles, 1 chapter, and 1 organizational report, all released between 2018 and 2025, were examined. The study used thematic analysis by reviewing selectedarticles, coding recurring ideas, and group them into themes such as: Norms of masculinity as an obstacle to disclosure; Manifestations of violence against men; Socioeconomic and power imbalance; South African legislative framework (GBV). Results show that societal reactions, social stigma, cultural standards of masculinity, and the South African legal framework (GBV) all play a major role in the under-reporting of violence against men. The review also shows that men are subjected to economic, sexual, psychological, and physical violence, among other forms of abuse. The study is anchored in Hegemonic Masculinity Theory. The study concludes that to create inclusive policies, support services, and interventions that cater to the needs of all victims, regardless of gender, it is crucial to acknowledge men as potential victims of gender-based violence.
Healthcare experiences among sexual and gender minorities warrant close attention. Although these populationsface specific vulnerabilities, their experiences vary considerably across countries. This scoping review aimed to mapthe current state of knowledge on healthcare experiences of sexual and gender minorities in sub-Saharan Africa. Wesearched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo for studies published between 2011 and 2025. Twenty-four articlesmet the inclusion criteria, reporting both positive encounters and negative experiences such as verbal harassment,humiliating behaviors, and stigmatization. The evidence is concentrated in South Africa, with limited literature fromCentral Africa. Geographic and cultural differences limit the transferability of findings across contexts.
One of the earliest justifications for the death penalty is retribution, predicated on the premise that punishment ought to be equivalent to the offense committed. The appeal of retribution relies largely on the fact that numerous communities equate justice with proportional punishment. Since the death penalty guarantees that the offender faces the most severe punishment possible for taking the life of another individual, supporters maintain that it is a morally acceptable response to heinous crimes like murder. However, the death penalty has been historically condemned for failing to deter crime due to its ineffectiveness, disproportionately affecting minority populations. South Africa’s own crime trends demonstrate that violence and the commission of crimes stem more from social inequalities and unaddressed prior injustices than from lenient sentencing. Methodologically, a doctrinal research method, which was appropriate for the topic being investigated. To this end, this article postulates that reintroducing it could exacerbate existing racial and socio-economic inequalities in South Africa. Given the Republic’s history of biased and discriminatory sentencing, this adverse risk cannot be ignored. It is against this backdrop that it is suggested that instead of reinstating the death penalty, there is a need to readjust certain aspects of the criminal justice system, such as improving law enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programs. Also, ensuring the reduction of the socio-economic causes of crime, and strengthening its commitment to justice and valuing human rights. A rights-based system must prioritize reducing harm and preventing inhumane treatment, not replicating it. This said, considering the core values of dignity, equality, and justice, the death penalty can be said to be neither necessary nor a reasonable and justifiable solution. In conclusion, the doctrine of retributive justice is rejected as insufficient and as such unconstitutional. Remarkably, no democratic objective and/or aim can justify state-sanctioned executions. This is because retribution cannot supersede the basic right to life guaranteed in the Constitution
The Intersectional Gender Analysis (IGA) is an analytical approach that examines how gender intersects with other social identities and systems of power to shape people’s experiences, opportunities, and outcomes. Grounded in the intersectionality framework as conceptualised by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989), this study examines factors influencing gender inequality and social exclusion in Mvomero District, Tanzania. A multi-method approach was employed, combining quantitative household surveys with qualitative methods, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to identify and rank key constraints, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis to capture underlying social dynamics and norms. The findings reveal the widespread nature of gender disparities, with 85.6% of respondents recognising their presence within the community. Traditional norms, values, and practices were identified as key drivers of gender inequality and social exclusion. The analysis further uncovered significant barriers that limit women’s and persons with disabilities’ access to productive resources, particularly land, as well as their participation in leadership and decision-making processes. The study underscores the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making systems in promoting gender equality and social inclusion. It concludes with context-specific recommendations to address structural inequalities, strengthen institutional responsiveness, and foster equitable access to resources and opportunities. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how intersecting social identities shape development outcomes and highlight the need for transformative approaches to achieve inclusive community development.
Chronic exposure to occupational stressors such as high workload, security demands, and limited institutional resourcesplaces immigration service personnel at elevated risk of psychological distress, burnout, and impaired decision-making,making mindfulness a scientifically relevant intervention for enhancing stress regulation and cognitive resilience. Although mindfulness promotes adaptive health behaviours, scientific evidence among immigration service personnel remains limited. This cross-sectional study examined dispositional mindfulness among 110 Ghana Immigration Service personnel (69.1% male; 70% aged 20–29 years) using the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Moderate mindfulness levels were observed, with highest mean scores for nonjudgmental attitudes (3.16±0.99) and acting with awareness (3.05±0.97), and lowest for observation (2.38±0.89). Significant variability emerged in observation (attentiveness to bodily sensations during bathing, χ² = 77.00, p < 0.001), description (ability to verbalise emotions, χ² = 21.73, p < 0.001), and nonreactivity items (stepping back from distressing thoughts, χ² = 22.55, p < 0.001), while acting with awareness items were non-significant, indicating uniformity in automatic task performance. Age and marital status were negatively associated with nonjudgmental attitudes (r = −0.20 and −0.23, respectively; p < 0.05), while other demographics showed no associations. Findings reveal variability in sensory awareness, emotional articulation, and nonreactivity, supporting targeted workplace mindfulness interventions to enhance health-related self-regulation and reduce stress in this occupational group. Workplace mindfulness programmes may enhance health-related behaviours and reduce stress in high-risk security personnel.
Background: Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) remains prevalent among Nigerian undergraduates despite increasingawareness of sexual health risks. However, limited research has examined integrated psychosocial models combiningfamily dynamics, religious affiliation, social media use, and mental health within this population.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 347 undergraduates (55.9% female; mean age = 23.39 years).Standardised instruments measured risky sexual behaviour, family functioning, social media use, and mental well-being.Data were analysed using path analysis in AMOS and moderation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Analysis of the information used the protocol of path analysis (AMOS) as well as moderation analysis (Hayes PROCESS).Outcomes: The prevalence of RSB was high (83%), with 16.1% reporting severe levels. Dysfunctional family dynamicswere significantly associated with higher RSB, both directly and indirectly through increased social media use. Socialmedia use was also positively associated with RSB. Religious affiliation, as operationalised by denominational identity,was not significantly associated with RSB. Mental well-being was independently associated with RSB but did notsignificantly moderate the relationship between social media use and RSB.Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of family functioning and digital engagement in understanding risky sexual behaviour among undergraduates. However, given the cross-sectional design and the measurement of religion as affiliation rather than depth of religiosity, conclusions should remain cautious. Longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify causal pathways.
Proverbs embody the cultural beliefs, values, and wisdom passed down through generations. In the Tshivenḓa culture,they play a pivotal role in the upbringing of children. Raising a child presents many challenges, and if not approachedwith care, it can lead to undesirable outcomes. This study explores the significance of Tshivenḓa proverbs in shapingchildren's behaviour and character. While every parent aspires for their children to grow into responsible adults, someyouths diverge from societal and familial expectations, often developing poor moral values. Guided by the socialconstructivism theory, this qualitative research purposively selected 10 elders from Dzwerani Village who possess deepknowledge of Tshivenḓa proverbs and cultural practices. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews andanalyzed thematically. The findings highlight the vital role of Tshivenḓa proverbs in instilling cultural values, fosteringpositive responses to correction, encouraging cooperation, and promoting humility. The study recommends that parents incorporate proverbs into daily interactions with their children, as they serve as powerful tools for moral and cultural development
Sexual assault remains a pervasive problem within institutions of higher learning, yet disabled female students are disproportionately affected and yet underrepresented in research. This paper examines the spatial hotspots where sexual assault occurs against disabled female students at the University of Limpopo using a qualitative phenomenological design. The paper employs the Routine Activity Theory (RAT). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 disabled female students. Findings revealed that sexual assaults occur across multiple locations, including residences, academic buildings, poorly lit pathways, secluded stairwells, lecturer offices, off-campus streets, clubs, and student event spaces. Structural barriers such as inadequate security visibility, poor lighting, inaccessible environments, and social events were found to heighten vulnerability. Participants described increased susceptibility linked to mobility limitations, dependence on others, and societal misconceptions that position them as easy targets. The paper concludes that sexual assault is significantly shaped by spatial and environmental conditions and recommends disability-inclusive safety planning, improved lighting, enhanced campus policing, and targeted prevention programmes. The study contributes to scholarship on disability, gender-based violence, and spatial vulnerability by demonstrating how campus environments shape the risk of sexual assault among disabled female students.
While significant progress has been made in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, limited attention has been paid to how women experience an HIV diagnosis during pregnancy and its implications for motherhood. Guided by a feminist phenomenological framework, this qualitative interpretive study explored the lived experiences of women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy in Eswatini. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten women and analysed using thematic analysis. The study adopted an interpretive approach to examine how gendered power relations, sociocultural expectations, and institutional practices shape women’s experiences. Findings reveal complex and often conflicting experiences, including perceived involuntary HIV testing, profound psychological distress following diagnosis, fear of vertical transmission, stigma and partner rejection, and anxiety surrounding infantfeeding. These experiences highlight tensions between public health imperatives and women’s autonomy. The findings underscore the need for holistic, rights-based interventions that integrate mental health support, and promote supportive social environments.
Introduction: Psychology has long been critiqued for its predominantly Eurocentric foundations. As global scholarshipbecomes increasingly attentive to cultural diversity, there is growing interest in challenging the universal application ofWestern-derived psychological constructs, including the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Numerousscholars call for research grounded in non-Western contexts to support efforts to decolonise psychological theory andclinical practice. An investigation on AmaXhosa traditional healers' indigenous perspectives on trauma and coping wascarried out in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Finding out how trauma is perceived, categorized, and handled withinregional cosmologies was the goal.Method: Purposive sampling was used to choose nine traditional healers: four Amagqirha (diviners) and five AmaXhwele (herbalists) to participate in the study. Two case vignettes were used to keep the conversation rooted in realistic cultural experiences. This storytelling approach was then followed by open-ended interviews to capture the full depth of the healers’ expertise in understanding and handling PTSD cases. Finally, the thematic analysis approach outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) to systematically identify and define core themes was observed.Results: Findings revealed that traditional healers view traumatic experiences as affecting individuals who are spirituallyvulnerable either due to weakened ancestral connections, acts of bewitchment, or attacks from evil wandering spirits.Healing practices emphasised ritual restoration, strengthening of ancestral ties, and spiritual protection. These findingshighlight the value of indigenous epistemologies in broadening culturally responsive understandings of trauma.
In this dispensation of dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the global quest to advance the trajectory of women’s contribution to society, this paper presents the impact of COVID-19 on rural African women in Mkhambathini municipality, Pietermaritzburg South Africa. A survey of literature on the impacts of COVID-19 reveals a gap in studies about rural women and the ramifications of the pandemic in South Africa. Hence the study employed a qualitative case study research design and semi-structured interviews to generate data from 30 African rural women between the ages of 20 to 60+. They were identified through purposive and snowballing sampling. The narratives of the rural women revealed that they lost loved ones and experienced trauma, they also lost income and livestock, and violence against women increased during this period, yet they remained resilient breadwinners. The study also revealed that the impacts were felt differently by diverse women, from trauma, financial loses, gender violence, and loss of markets and livestock. The research recommends financial assistance to bring back the women to their feet, a change welfare policy to prepare for future pandemics, speedy and stern sentences for gender violence, and a larger scale study on the effect of COVID-19 on rural women breadwinners.
Introduction: Clinical teaching and learning are fundamental components of nursing education, equipping studentswith the skills required to provide safe and effective patient care. However, literature from global and local contextsreveals that nursing students often face stressors in a clinical environment that negatively impact their psychosocialwell-being. Existing literature revealed that nursing students faced challenges that affect them academically,psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Therefore, this narrative reviews coping strategies used by undergraduatestudent nurses during clinical placement.Methods: Six (6) steps of narrative review were used as a framework to navigate this study. It provides a critical anddescriptive analysis of the existing literature rather than adhering to a rigid systematic technique. PUBMED, Scopus,ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to access data between 2019 and 2025. Once the initialdatabase search and screening procedure was completed, twenty-one (21) full-text publications were accessed foreligibility.Results: Four (4) themes and eight (8) sub-themes were identified by this study which were as follows: emotion-focusedcoping (meditation, sleeping), problem-solving-focused coping (maintaining an optimistic attitude, referral to studentcounselling services), maladaptive coping (substance use disorders, emotional eating) and religious/spiritual coping(use of prayer, singing gospel songs/hymns.Conclusions: Integrating coping skills training into nursing education and creating supportive clinical environmentscan enhance emotional well-being and preparedness for practice
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the economic livelihoods of women, exacerbating existing gender inequalities in Nigeria. This study explores the socio-economic challenges faced by women in both formal and informal sectors during and after the pandemic. In-depth interviews conducted with 60 women across six states in South-Western Nigeria reveal that women in the informal sector, particularly those engaged in petty trading, artisan work, and small businesses, were disproportionately affected by lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and movement restrictions. The lack of social safety nets and limited savings led many to experience acute financial distress. Conversely, women in the formal sector, particularly those in white-collar jobs, had better access to labour protections, unemployment benefits, and remote work opportunities, though they, too, faced challenges such as increased workloads and work-life balance issues. Education emerged as a key factor influencing economic resilience, with higher-educated women better positioned for stable employment and adaptability. However, caregiving responsibilities placed a significant strain on women across all education levels. The study highlights the need for gender-responsive social protection systems and digital inclusion initiatives to address the diverse vulnerabilities faced by women in Nigeria, especially those in the informal sector.
The study aimed to answer this research question: How do mental health practitioners in substance use treatment contexts in South Africa negotiate gender diversity in their practice, and what culturally grounded training and institutional changes are required to support inclusive service provision? A qualitative study employing narrative interviews was conducted with twelve mental health practitioners in the Southern Cape of South Africa. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within a constructivist epistemology, theoretically underpinned by Africana Womanism. Findings indicate that practitioners negotiate gender diversity through relational ethics emphasising respect, dignity, and harm minimisation within family and community contexts. Inclusive care was enactedpragmatically through informal adaptations rather than institutionalised policy, constrained by rigid systems, limited training, and cultural stigma. Gender-diverse clients were recognised as facing intersecting exclusions, particularly in rural settings. Policy reforms should embed gender diversity within programme design, intake procedures, and residential care. Practitioner training should prioritise communal, dialogical learning grounded in African relational ethics. Future research should explore the experiences of gender-diverse clients themselves, examine institutional responses across different provinces, and evaluate culturally grounded training interventions designed for substance use practitioners.
This study examined the influence of migration on fertility desire and family size among migrant and non-migrant couples in Nigeria, with particular attention to post-pandemic livelihood challenges. Using a descriptive survey design, 150 couples from Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti State, were sampled through stratified and purposive random techniques. Quantitative data were collected via a validated questionnaire, while qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 60 women. Results indicate that both fertility desire and family size were higher among migrant couples compared to non-migrant couples, although correlation analyses showed no statistically significant relationship between migration status and these outcomes. Findings highlight the complex interplay of socio-economic status, cultural norms, and exposure to new environments in shaping reproductive decisions. The study underscores the need for targeted family planning initiatives, culturally sensitive reproductive health education, and strengthened social protection measures for women, particularly in the context of economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights are critical for policymakers aiming to promote sustainable population management and equitable access to reproductive services in Nigeria.
For centuries, women have faced oppression, and despite countless efforts to promote equality, they continue to struggle in a society largely dominated by men. The pervasive attitudes towards women/men in African Apostolic Indigenous Churches (AAICs) are responsible for the widening gap between genders, leading to increased vulnerability and poverty for women. The focus of this study is to examine the extent to which the AAIC’s teachings on women led to the feminisation of poverty. Employing a gendered approach, the study identifies disparities between men and women. It utilises the document and content analysis qualitative method, including analysis of secondary sources like books, journals and media to explore the barriers that hinder women's access to information and rights, ultimately leading to their economic impoverishment. This study aims to examine the influence of AAIC teachings on women and how these teachings contribute to the feminisation of poverty. Recommendations include dismantling traditional stereotypes that restrict women's income opportunities and community participation, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society. Men need to take an active role in championing gender equality and confronting the subjugation of women.
This article makes the case that gender-based violence (GBV), which includes femicide (GBVF), is a persistent nationalcrisis in South Africa that is firmly ingrained in historical and structural patriarchal systems. These intersectinghistories have solidified gendered violence in racial, cultural, and religious contexts. They were shaped by indigenouspatriarchal customs, slavery, colonialism, apartheid governance, and post-apartheid crises of masculinity. The studyinvestigates how three selected South African women artists critically engage with this crisis through visualrepresentation, using a qualitative, visual, and interpretive analysis of contemporary artworks. The article examinesartwork by Gabrielle Goliath, Lady Skollie, and Annemi Conradie-Chetty using feminist visual culture theory,masculinity studies, and research on the portrayal of trauma. The investigation examines how these artists resistsensationalised portrayals of trauma while representing gendered violence through case-study analysis of installation,mixed-media painting, and embroidery. The analysis shows that, to address the ideological and historicalunderpinnings of GBV without reproducing the spectacle of violated bodies, these artists use techniques of abstraction,symbolic mediation, satire, and memorialisation. In addition to providing alternative visual languages for therecognition and critical analysis of trauma, their works emphasise affect and ethical witnessing. By doing this, theartworks reclaim narrative authority through resistance, reimagination, and remembrance while also highlighting theconnections between religious patriarchy, colonial dominance, and modern gendered violence. The article illustrateshow contemporary South African art serves as both critical testimony and a counter-visual archive of genderedviolence, challenging established patriarchal structures while imagining new possibilities for representation, memory,and feminist resistance by placing these artistic practices within larger discussions in feminist visual culture
