How Nigeria can break the culture of silence around women’s reproductive illnesses
OLUDOYINMOLA OMOBOLADE OJIFINNI, University of the Witwatersrand TALKING about the reproductive system has always been difficult among women in low- and middle-income countries of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. There appears to be an unwritten code, a culture of silence that says reproductive issues mustn't be talked about. As a result, many women suffer in silence with some form of reproductive morbidity or illness. Reproductive morbidity refers to “any morbidity or dysfunction of the reproductive behaviour including pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, or sexual behaviour and may include those of a psychological nature.” It covers gynaecology, obstetrics and contraceptive use. Research has shown…