Sitabile Dewa, a divorced woman and women’s rights activist in socially conservative Zimbabwe has joined dozens of other women in challenging the ban on sex toys in the country.
Following her divorce, Dewa found her prospects for sexual pleasure limited due to societal norms that deem divorced women and single mothers undesirable partners for men.
In her quest for self-exploration and gratification, Dewa encountered a major obstacle—the importation or possession of sex toys is illegal in Zimbabwe under the “censorship and entertainments control” law, which deems them “indecent” and harmful to public morals.
Labeling the law as archaic and repressive, Dewa filed a lawsuit against the Zimbabwe government in March seeking the repeal of certain provisions. Her case is currently being considered by the court.
Dewa’s bold stance and open discussion of masturbation and women’s sexuality challenge the patriarchal outlook prevalent in Zimbabwe, where women’s choices on various issues, including contraception, marriage, and dress, are heavily scrutinized and restricted.
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This campaign not only targets the ban on sex toys but also represents a broader challenge to Zimbabwe’s patriarchal society. Dewa’s activism draws attention to the historical impact of colonialism on women’s rights in Africa.
Studies have shown that pre-colonial African women enjoyed more sexual expression before European laws, culture, and religion were imposed, emphasizing the impurity associated with women’s bodies.
While progress has been made since gaining independence from white minority rule, laws like the ban on sex toys persist, highlighting the need for further change.
Dewa’s efforts align with the growing sentiment among Zimbabwean women who are tired of oppression. The revival of the pre-colonial tradition of “Chinamwari,” where young women receive sex education from older women in their communities, also indicates a potential shift toward empowering young women in sexual matters.
Dewa’s case and the revival of Chinamwari shed light on the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Zimbabwe and the need to challenge societal norms that restrict women’s autonomy and sexual agency.
