FEATURE

“Sex is sweet”: women from low-income contexts in Uganda talk

about sexual desire and pleasure
Florence Kyoheirwe Muhanguzi
Senior Lecturer, School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UGANDA.
Correspondence: fl[email protected]

Abstract: In many patriarchal societies in Africa, heterosexuality is privileged as the single legitimate form of
sexual interaction; other sexualities are marginalised because they are perceived as un-African,
abnormal, sinful and are repressed. Female sexuality too is subordinated and controlled with it
being reduced to women’s conventional mothering roles that are conflated with their reproductive
capacities. However, there is evidence that women in heterosexual relations have the opportunity to
assert themselves and to define pleasurable sex. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus group
discussions with married women in heterosexual unions the article examines the extent to which
women from low-income contexts in Uganda express their sexual agency. The findings show that
within heterosexual relations, these women are able to express their sexual desires freely and negotiate
diverse options for pleasurable sexual experiences. The evidence indicates the need for acknowledging
variations within heterosexual experiences and the possibility of positive heterosexual relationships
that resist hegemonic masculinity and subordinated femininity. © 2015 Reproductive Health Matters.
Published by Elsevier BV. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Uganda, low-income contexts, sexual pleasure, sexual desire, sexuality

Introduction subordinate positions.7 The masculine privilege

and expectation of female sexual passivity is
Some feminist scholars argue that sexuality is
reported to increase women’s HIV vulnerability
a political struggle involving two domains: repres-
sion and danger on the one hand and exploration, in marriage.8,9 Bhana acknowledges that affection,
pleasure and agency on the other.1,2 Increasingly, desire and intimacy are key to power dynamics
literature from varied contexts, developed3,4 and and gender relations in relationships.10 Literature
developing countries, especially Africa5,6 suggests further indicates that women in poor communities
that within heterosexual relations, female sexual living under difficult conditions rarely have a desire
desire and pleasure are highly controlled, often for sex and experience greater control and regula-
reduced to women’s conventional mothering tion of their sexuality.11 Economic inequality is
roles that are conflated with their reproductive implicated for inhibiting women’s freedom to build
capacities. loving relationships.10
In Africa, sexuality is constructed within a domi- While sexuality has been problematised as
nant patriarchal context of political struggles for the a site for women’s oppression, some scholars
creation and preservation of gender hierarchy,5 from the developed world12 and Africa10,13 assert
which defines men as active and dominant and that power inequality in relationships does not
women as passive and submissive. Such construc- automatically exclude enjoyable and pleasurable
tions marginalise female sexual aspects of pleasure experiences. They argue for recognition of differ-
and desire. According to Shakila Singh, men and ences in women’s experiences and note that the
women are entrapped within gendered discourses power hierarchy embedded in heterosexual rela-
of romantic love that restrict them from exploring tionships is not necessarily exercised uniformly
alternative positions in marriage, and they largely and evenly at the level of interpersonal relations
comply with existing gender regimes that perpetu- or practice, nor is its experience wholly determined
ate gender inequalities and place women in by patriarchal structures and ideologies.12,13 Some

62 Contents online: www.rhm-elsevier.com Doi: 10.1016/j.rhm.2015.11.012

 FK Muhanguzi. Reproductive Health Matters 2015;23(46):62–70

scholars assert that penetrative sex with men can be number of women in the FGDs ranged from six to
enjoyable and that its pleasure for women is not ten participants. Nine women did not participate
merely eroticised submission.14,15 Bhana agrees due to family commitments.
with Hirsch that relations should not only be per- To ensure reliability, a pre-test of the research
ceived in terms of male power; men and women tools was undertaken and question items were
as gendered persons express love alongside the revised accordingly. Participation in the study was
daily battles of power.9,10 Cognizant of women’s voluntary, with informed consent being obtained
subordinate positions in intimate relations, Rasool from all respondents. The interviews and FGDs were
records women’s capacity to contest and shape their conducted in the respondents’ homes at their
lives as they reflect on violent love;16 women are not convenience, using the local language, and later
just victims of romantic love but find spaces to translated into English. Participants were assured
negotiate their identity, as they navigate their eco- of confidentiality before the interviews and were
nomic circumstances.17 invited to decide on the convenient venue and time
The key question for this article is: how do of the interview.
women from low-income contexts in heterosex- Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the
ual unions assert themselves and define sexual author conducted the in-depth interviews and
desire and pleasure? The article highlights FGDs with the assistance of two trained married
women’s sexual agency and the contradictions female graduate researchers in their mid-40s.
that surround their active participation in sexual The research team had to manage their identity,
encounters. projecting an image that would maximize the
chances of gaining access.19 This was facilitated
Methodological focus and context by the letters of introduction from the Head of
The article is based on a study conducted from Department of Women and Gender Studies,
2008-2011 in a low-income rural community of Makerere University. Our knowledge of the
Bushenyi district in the western region of local language (Runyankole-Rukiga), our gender
Uganda.* The article is part of a larger project position† and my status as a university lecturer
that aimed at exploring the linkages between were assets, especially in establishing rapport,
gender, poverty and sexuality. It is a revised and mutual trust and confidence. There were no
abridged version of a chapter in an edited book financial incentives to participate in the study.
on “Gender, Poverty and Social Transformation: The interviews took 30-45 minutes while
reflections on the fractures and continuities in con- FGDs went on for an average of 1.5-2 hours. The
temporary Uganda”.18 interview and FGD guide interrogated a number
A simple random selection strategy was used of themes, including socio-economic and demo-
to select two counties (Mitooma and Sheema), graphic background, sexual interaction, sensual-
then one sub-county from each, then two parishes ity, sexual communication and decision-making,
from each, and finally two villages from each women’s views on poverty and sexual experiences,
parish. among other topics.
Local leaders helped to generate lists of married All interviews and discussions were recorded in
women from whom five were randomly selected in audio format with the consent of the respondents,
each village to participate in the in-depth inter- and thereafter transcribed. Thematic analysis was
views. A total of 40 women in the study district were used to identify common themes and unique
selected. experiences emerging from the different data sets.
Similarly, 10 women per village were randomly Through identification of emerging themes and
selected to participate in focus group discussions patterns from the in-depth interviews, frequencies
(FGDs), excluding those participating in the inter- and percentages were computed for specific issues,
views. Overall eight FGDs (one FGD per village) in particular the frequency of sexual interaction and
were conducted with a total of 71 women. The sexual initiation. To maintain confidentiality, pseu-
donyms have been used to represent these women’s
voices.
⁎
Bushenyi district has since been split into five districts,
namely, Mitooma, Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Buhweju and Sheema.
†
The study was conducted in Mitooma and Sheema, which Holland and Ramazanoglu argue that differences in gender
were, at the time, counties. influence interaction in interviews.20

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FK Muhanguzi. Reproductive Health Matters 2015;23(46):62–70

Women relaxing after a focus group discussion

Women’s sexual agency and expression of for couples to understand each other and commu-
sexual desire nicate their needs and interests. These practices
All the women in the interviews (except one) and indicate women’s active participation and expres-
in the FGDs indicated experiences of sexual desire sion of their sexual agency in sexual encounters,
and enjoyment of sexual interaction with their suggesting fractures (fractured subordination) in
spouses, which they believed to be a “natural” hetero-patriarchal relationships, which are known
phenomenon: “it [sexual desire] is natural and to define women as meek and subservient objects
good even if one is old”, “sexual interest happens natu- of male desire.22
rally for men and women”. Women’s naturalising The findings contradict the essentialist view of
sexual interest contradicts the post-structuralist most mainstream radical feminist scholarship on
view that sexuality is socially constructed.21 The sexuality that defines women’s sexuality as passive
women’s accounts are shaped by the Ugandan and submissive with limited choices of sexual
historical configuration of sexuality as a relatively expression and pleasure.12 Pereira, like many
naturalised aspect of life. African feminists, cautions against universalising
In both the interviews and FGDs women the suppression of women’s sexuality and their
expressed their sexual interest to their spouses subordination.23 Instead, she calls for considera-
using non-verbal expressions to signal love, affec- tion of the different contexts in which sexualities
tion and intimacy through establishing physical have been constructed, and the possibility of
contact and closeness, caressing and kissing. Other change in meanings and conceptualisation. These
expressions of sexual desire reported by women in findings concur with that of scholars from other
the study included getting the domestic chores parts of the world,5,6,23 who note that women
done early; having meals together, being romantic have choices of expressing their sexual desire.
and wearing perfume (herbs). Knowledge of While women’s agency of sexual expression is
the husband’s interests and what puts him in the acknowledged, overt expression of this experience
mood made it easy for women to express their remains outlandish for many women. About 52.9%
sexual needs. A typical view about this was of the women revealed that sexual initiation was
expressed thus: “you know which spot to start or mainly done by the men, and 45.2% of women
which button to push”. Women stressed the need could not express their sexual interest at all

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because of fear of being labelled outgoing and related to fatigue and anger. Some women reported
promiscuous. Women largely use indirect means that they refused to have sex with their husbands as
of expression (non-verbal/signs) of their desire; revenge for a husband’s refusal to respect their
with very few who could express their sexual sexual needs, or bad behaviour, especially relating
desires verbally (“ask for sex”) to their partners: to unfulfilled responsibilities and lack of care. While
some spouses accepted their wives’ requests to
“asking for sex? no. I fear what he might think of refrain from sex and hence stay away, rejection of
me … he would wonder why [I] am doing that sexual advances sometimes led to sexual coercion
and where I got such ideas … so I just wait for and violence, and verbal threats about and/or
him to ask.” (Ninah, Bushenyi) actual engagement in extramarital liaisons. Other
studies also report that non-consensual sex is a
“If I do not get satisfied, I keep quiet. If you dare ask common experience for many women in marital
he might think you have been gossiping… he might
relations.11,24 Such male hostility and coercion
think you are a “maraaya” [prostitute] that maybe
undermines women’s right to fulfilling and satis-
you have started going out with other men.” (Focus
fying sex and is evidence of the taken-for-granted
Group Discussion)
perception that sexual access to women, espe-
According to these women, they always wait for cially in marital relations, is a male right.25,11,13
their husbands to make advances, irrespective of The only woman (Kaku, 46 years) who reported
whether the women are in the mood. The indirect, lack of sexual desire attributed it to ageing
reticent way women use to approach sex could be (menopause), use of contraceptives and overwork.
explained by an inherent heteronormative culture According to her, sexual interaction with her husband
characterised by deep-seated attitudes and beliefs was an obligation to fulfil her husband’s desires and
that value mystical, romantic sexual experience to prevent him from engaging in extramarital
among women. Such female compliance conforms relations. Other women also noted that ageing,
to the social values of submission that characterise overwork, sickness, contraception, quarrels between
ideal femininity as defined in most African societies, spouses, alcoholism, poverty, spouses’ lack of care
Uganda inclusive. and stress negatively affected their sexual desire.
Women’s sexual agency is further illustrated by Other studies report that lack of joint leisure
their ability to discuss and bargain with their spouses time, economic hardships and drunkenness are
about whether or not to have sex, particularly when major causes of marital instability and inhibit
the conditions are not favourable. More than half of sexual desire.11,26
the women in the interviews revealed that they were Marriage was noted to be a legitimate and
able to negotiate with their spouse not to have sex safe space for sexual expression and interaction.
on certain occasions: All the women in the study believed that marriage
accords them the right and freedom to express
“When he is drunk, I leave him and sleep alone, I put their sexual desires and that their spouses are
a mattress down on the floor … I also tell him when expected to respond positively to their sexual
I am in my periods [menstruating] …he leaves me.” advances:
(Kyomu, Bushenyi)
“If it is your husband, any time you want it you
Similar views were echoed in the FGDs:
should have it.” (Kyankazi, Bushenyi)
“If the man wants and you are not in the mood for
“I tell him that I love him. You know, when [I] am in
having sex, either because you are sick or have
the real mood, I tell him that I am not ok, if he
monthly periods, you tell him, you discuss and
cannot give immediately, he has to create time for
agree.... Yes, if you do not want, you can refuse
me and satisfy me … because when you fear to tell
but when you want and he does not want, you have
him, whom do you expect to tell your problem? He
to put him in the mood … for example, if there is
is your husband!” (Nyabukye, Bushenyi)
something I do not like, I tell him so.” (Focus Group
Discussion) Similar views were noted in FGDs as shown by
an excerpt from one of the FGDs:
These excerpts reveal women’s ability to assert
themselves in sexual encounters on particular “When I was growing up, I knew that a man marries
occasions, especially in cases of sickness, or stress a woman for sex… it is sweet and enjoyable… sex

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is the reason we are married… when there is no sex, Sex as an obligation in marriage (to which many
no marriage.” (Focus Group Discussion) women in the study alluded) compromises women’s
freedom of expression because they feel obliged to
Women noted that, in marital unions, it is the
have sex even when they are not ready for it, as
duty of the spouses to satisfy each other’s sexual
noted by Muraingwa:
needs. Women perceived sexual access to their
husbands as a right and claimed that men are “Even when you are tired you cannot say, ‘no, no, I
expected to respect that right. In one of the focus will not have it’. You know, for a man, when you
groups, women noted: refuse, he can go somewhere else.” (Muraingwa,
Bushenyi)
“Even when he is not in the mood, he does it for you
because he is your husband.” (Focus Group Discussion) Such sexual encounters could constrain women’s
sexual agency, undermine their rights to fulfilling
Similarly, in the interviews, one of the women and pleasurable sexuality, and reinforce male
noted: patriarchal power.
“That issue [sex] concerns both of us. If we are both
Sexual interaction and pleasure
well, not sick, there is no reason why one cannot have
sex with the other. It is the reason we are married. So It is evident that regular “good” and satisfying sex
it cannot be me or the man.” (Mugufu, Bushenyi) is one of the prerequisites for having a successful
marriage, good relationships with a spouse as
To a local woman in this study, marriage is the well as good quality of life, as stressed by women
right and safe space for sexual interaction and there- in the study. The frequency of sexual interaction,
fore women feel free to express their desire to their in particular sexual intercourse, was therefore
husbands. The findings resonate with reports about associated with the quality of a relationship.
marriage as the only legitimate space for sexual A large proportion of women in the interviews
expression in most African cultures.27,28 According reported that they had sex 3-4 times a week
to Diallo, in Mali, married women have the right to (45%); 22% had sex daily, 20% had sex 1-2 times
request and enjoy sexual intercourse in perfect har- a week; and 13% had sex 1-2 times a month.
mony with religious and customary requirements.29 The frequency of sex appeared to depend on
Engagement in sex outside marriage, especially for the availability of the spouse and be reduced by
women, is perceived negatively, commonly asso- sickness, drunkenness, contraception and stress
ciated with adultery and immorality as illustrated associated with quarrels, fatigue (workload), and
by this quote: poverty. Most of the women noted that heavy
“when she [unmarried woman] stands with any workload interfered with their mood for sexual
man, talking about anything, society is suspicious interaction and pleasure. All the women in both
about her sexual involvement with that man, she is the interviews and FGDs observed that creating
seen as adulterous…”. (Focus Group Discussion) time for each other enhances intimacy and leads
to happy relationships. They however stressed
This finding corroborates studies conducted in that the frequency of sexual interaction between
Uganda and elsewhere where sexual activity spouses does not secure happy relationships if
among unmarried adults is regarded as adultery there is no fulfilment and pleasure.
and a breach of trust.8,28 Women in this study Women in the study revealed a range of intimate
noted that marriage creates a sense of maturity sexual practices that they employ to enhance
in society and accords them a higher social status their pleasure and to ensure enjoyable, satisfy-
and respect. In Tanzania, women seek stable rela- ing sexual experiences. They valued adequate
tionships with men as a means to protect their preparation as a precursor to having enjoyable
respectability.27 However, despite the negative and satisfying sexual encounters through elonga-
perceptions and stigma associated with women’s tion of the labia minora;‡ drinking and wearing
(and men’s) engagement in extramarital liaisons,
such relationships have been reported in Uganda
and other countries but are often discreet or ‡
The labia contribute to sexual stimulation and pleasure
covert.8,9 In Tanzania, modern women are increas- during sexual encounters and labia elongation is a
ingly choosing to remain single, to maintain inde- common practice among the Banyankore and other cul-
pendence and avoid strict control by men.27 tures across Uganda.30

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of herbs§ that are known to have aphrodisiac “Sex is important for our lives. You feel good. The man
effects; foreplay; attending to personal hygiene needs a touch, he also feels good. The relationship
and using perfumed jelly. between husband and wife depends on the quality
The study participants reported that they of sex. If there is no sex, there are frequent quarrels
engage diverse techniques or styles, using differ- and fights at home, there is no peace.” (Focus Group
ent positions to enjoy the encounter, including Discussion)
the lying and sitting position, striking the glans
“Sex is important for production of children and
and the body of the clitoris (a sexual practice com-
keeping your marriage. When he is not satisfied,
monly referred to as Kacabari by the Banyankore).
he will find someone who can satisfy him.” (Focus
A typical view of this experience is illustrated by
Group Discussion)
one of the women:
Respondents believe that sexual interaction
“I like him biting my fingers when we are romancing
enhances well-being, intimacy, promotes happy
and stroking my hair. I also enjoy his kisses … I sing
and long-lasting relationships, and prevents extra-
for him, I ask him to do Kacabari.” ** (Joy, Bushenyi).
marital relationships. According to some women,
According to the women in the study, lying greater intimacy leads to joint planning and
position (on top of the man) offers greater sexual increased productivity. The findings resonate with
autonomy and safeguards women’s power. other studies which show that sexual pleasure and
Women detested sexual penetration from behind, satisfaction leads to fulfilment and well-being,33
asserting that it “detaches” the woman from the reduces violence in marital relationships34 and
partner”: you do not feel connected” and “you contributes to securing a good marriage.29
are not in control of the event”. According to Some women in this study spoke of their experi-
most women, varying the styles and positions ences when, in search of “happiness and enjoyment”
(mutually agreed upon) during sexual encounters they had to get sex from men other than their
enhances sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Prefer- husbands. Other studies in Uganda, Tanzania and
ence and value for a variety of sexual styles in Mali reveal women’s engagement in extramarital
enhancing intimacy was also reported among men relationships in their search for sexual fulfil-
by Hirsch.9 ment.27,28 According to Diallo, a man’s impotence
In line with the findings of this study, Bizimana is valid ground for divorce in Mali, which points to
found that women are not just passive recipients the importance attached to women’s sexual needs.29
of men’s sexual penetration but also actively Arnfred and Haram provide evidence of women’s
participate in the encounter by choosing the engagement in negotiations for extramarital sexual,
position, forms and the intensity of the rhythm romantic love involving notions of reciprocity,
and movement31 and setting the boundaries of equality and compatibility.5,27
the encounter.32 In Uganda, the Baganda women The participants of this study stressed that sexual
use coloured and flowered bead belts.28 These enjoyment and satisfaction can only be attained
findings contest the massive literature on the when the interaction is mutual and reciprocal,
active-passive dichotomy that has been used to done in a relaxed and stress-free environment.
describe women’s sexuality as passive.5,12 Other factors that were noted to enhance sexual
All the women expressed the view that sex pleasure and satisfaction include faithfulness,
was a valued aspect of a successful and happy caring for and understanding each other; adequate
marriage. Accordingly, women noted that “sex is communication about each other’s interests, love
sweet, when there is no sex there is no marriage”, and respect:
“it is enjoyable”, “you feel good and relaxed”.
“First of all, you should love each other as a couple
Women associated “good” and satisfying sex with
because without love, sex cannot be enjoyable.
stable relationships.
There is also need to help each other. It is the peace
of mind. Without peace, you can’t have sex. Then
§ also eating and you get satisfied. I cannot have sex
Local herbs are inserted into the vagina a few minutes before
when I feel hungry.” (Jane, Bushenyi)
going to bed to facilitate lubrication.
**Participatory, pleasurable singing as distinct from groans or Contrary to women’s expectations of giving and
cries, called okusikina, is a key manifestation of women’s receiving of sexual satisfaction and enjoyment as
agency in the participation and control of the sexual act. an obligation on both spouses in marital unions,

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men were reported to pursue their own desires experiences in heterosexual relationships that enable
and pleasures: women to be active subjects rather than passive
objects of male sexual desire and pleasure. The evi-
“You know some men do not even care whether their dence of sexual agency provided in these accounts
wives get satisfied, reach the climax [orgasm] or not. illustrates the fractured subordination that charac-
But when they go out with other women, they make terises patriarchal heterosexual relationships in
sure they finish properly … a man does not care contemporary Uganda.
whether a woman reaches the climax or not as long The existence of diverse options for expressing
as he has gotten satisfied.” (Focus Group Discussion) sexual desire and pleasure indicates the need to
appreciate differences in meaning and experiences
Similar opinions were voiced in the interviews. of sexual interaction in heterosexual relationships
This perceived behaviour by men is a reflection of while acknowledging the creative capacity of women
the prevailing context of gender inequality, where to subvert the structural conditions they are assumed
women’s sexuality is about giving and pleasing, to be subordinated to.
while men’s sexuality is about their own experi- Recognising positive heterosexual experiences
ence and power. The finding concurs with a study allows more inclusive feminist politics that could
done by Shakila in South Africa, where young men apply to a wider group of women. Women’s empha-
presented emotionally detached explanations to sis on active involvement (mutual and reciprocal)
intimacy in marriage goals and women offered of both spouses in the sexual encounters reveals that
idealized notions of love and romance.7 the active/passive dichotomy common in most of the
While economic stress featured as a remarkable literature about gender and sexuality should not be
hindrance to intimacy in marital relations, the taken to be universally applicable to all women.
rural women in this study demonstrated their abil- Reflecting on women from low-income contexts
ity to seek autonomy in sexual encounters through and sexual desire and pleasure, the findings illus-
traditional practices (as reported above) and use of trate the importance of materiality in enhancing
local resources to ensure enjoyable and satisfying intimacy in sexual relations. Economic stress was
relationships. The women’s accounts question the referred to by women as an important factor that
universal postulation, for instance by Maitra and inhibits sexual fulfilment in marital unions.
Schensul, that women in low-income communities The paradoxes identified as surrounding women’s
rarely desire sex and are not in control of their sexu- sexuality in Ugandan society reveal a social context of
ality.11 Such assumptions demand consideration of persistent gender inequality and resistance to change
context in which such experiences are reported. This in women’s status. Nevertheless, the findings show
belief is supported by Haram’s study in Tanzania, the need for a discourse that acknowledges variations
which notes that while some women are likely to ter- within heterosexual experiences and the possibility
minate affairs if their lovers suffer financial setbacks, of positive and enjoyable heterosexual relationships
women are known to stick to their lovers even in that resist hegemonic masculinity and subordinated
times of poverty.27 However, Bhana notes that inti- femininity.
mate relations are structured by gender conflicts
and social circumstances which are partly linked to Acknowledgements
materiality and poverty.10 Gratitude is extended to the research assistants
for their valuable support to the research process;
and all the women who participated in the study
Conclusion for their willing exchange of views, experiences and
The study findings show women’s naturalisation and ideas.
normalisation of sexual desire and pleasure that are Financial support was obtained from the
expressed and experienced in diverse ways within Norwegian government, under the Norwegian
the socially regulated space - marriage. In this space, Programme for Development, Research and Education
although positioned as subordinates, women actively (NUFU) grant: NUFUPRO-2007/10127. This article is
express their sexual agency. Women in this study a shortened version of a book chapter in an edited
spoke of sex not only as pleasurable but also as some- book - “Gender, Poverty and Social Transformation:
thing that they actively pursued through diverse prac- reflections on the fractures and continuities in
tices (overt and covert). These practices appeared to contemporary Uganda” 18 that was published by
offer possibilities for positive and pleasurable Fountain Publishers in 2014.

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 FK Muhanguzi. Reproductive Health Matters 2015;23(46):62–70

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Résumé Resumen
Dans beaucoup de sociétés patriarcales d’Afrique, En muchas sociedades patriarcales en África,
l’hétérosexualité est privilégiée comme la seule la heterosexualidad es privilegiada como la
forme légitime d’interaction sexuelle; d’autres única forma legítima de interacción sexual; otras
sexualités sont marginalisées, car perçues sexualidades son marginadas porque son percibidas
comme non africaines, anormales, coupables, como no africanas, anormales y pecaminosas, y son
et sont réprimées. La sexualité féminine est reprimidas. La sexualidad femenina está demasiado
aussi subordonnée et contrôlée, réduite au subordinada y controlada, ya que es reducida a
rôle traditionnel de mère associé aux capacités los roles convencionales de maternidad, que son
de procréation des femmes. Néanmoins, il fusionados con sus capacidades reproductivas. Sin
semble que les femmes dans les relations embargo, existe evidencia de que las mujeres en
hétérosexuelles aient l’occasion de s’affirmer et relaciones heterosexuales tienen la oportunidad
de définir des relations sexuelles agréables. Se de ser firmes y de definir el sexo placentero. Basado
fondant sur des entretiens approfondis et des en entrevistas a profundidad y discusiones en grupos
discussions en groupe avec des femmes mariées focales con mujeres casadas en uniones
dans des relations hétérosexuelles, l’article heterosexuales, este artículo examina en qué
examine dans quelle mesure les femmes issues medida las mujeres de bajos ingresos en Uganda
d’environnements à faible revenu en Ouganda expresan su agencia sexual. Los hallazgos muestran
expriment leurs préférences en matière de que en relaciones heterosexuales, estas mujeres
sexualité. Les conclusions montrent que dans son capaces de expresar sus deseos sexuales
le cadre de relations hétérosexuelles, ces libremente y negociar diversas opciones para tener
femmes sont capables d’exprimer librement experiencias sexuales placenteras. La evidencia
leurs désirs sexuels et de négocier plusieurs indica la necesidad de reconocer variaciones en
options pour éprouver du plaisir dans les las experiencias heterosexuales y la posibilidad
rapports sexuels. Les faits observés soulignent de tener relaciones heterosexuales positivas que
la nécessité de reconnaître les variations au resistan la masculinidad hegemónica y la feminidad
sein des expériences hétérosexuelles et la subordinada.
possibilité de relations hétérosexuelles positives
qui s’opposent à la masculinité hégémonique et la
féminité subordonnée.

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