Sexual and reproductive decision-making among married and cohabiting women in Mahikeng

Godswill N. Osuafor, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Natal Ayiga, North-West University, South Africa

Sexual and reproductive decision-making has emerged as an important health indicator in family reproductive issues. The theory of gender and power was used to characterise Socio-cultural and socio-economic factors influence women’s decision-making on sex and family size. A survey of 568 respondents was conducted among married and cohabiting women in Mahikeng, South Africa in 2012. Data were analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic analyses. Findings indicated that the theory of gender and power was partially validated. Type of union, employment status, arranged marriage, experiences of forced sex and perceptions that husbands had right to sex were associated with decision-makings on when to have sex. Decision-making on family size was associated with place of residence, type of union, number of children, experiences of forced sex and perceptions that husbands had right to sex. Women need to be empowered with income earning skills, free choice of husbands/partners, sexual and reproductive rights.