The sexual rights and obligations within marriage are no doubt tied to the health status of partners, and the overall well being of families. The United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979. In 1985 Nigerian Government ratified CEDAW and thus becomes one of the countries bounded by its provisions. Despite the ratification of CEDAW by the Nigerian Government, the rights of the Nigerian women are still being violated in many spheres of life including the marriage institution.
In addressing the household level sexuality dynamics, and the attendant health implications, this paper explores the following areas:
- definition and types of marriage in Nigeria
- relationships within marriage in Nigeria
- sexual health
- sexual rights within marriage
- implications of sexual rights violation on sexual health of women
- the way forward and strategies for improving sexual health/rights within marriage
The authors conclude that with the broadening of the right to life to include sexual and reproductive rights, women are better protected under the law, but yet not in practice. A concerted effort is therefore needed globally, and locally to ensure that governments are committed to international treaties and conventions which protect human / women’s rights.