Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - September 27, 2001
Lungile Ndlovu, the traditional head of maidens' affairs, announced a five-year ban on sex after King Mswati re-introduced the "umchwasho" chastity rite two weeks ago. She said that the upholding of this tradition would be policed by traditional chiefs who presided over much of Swazi society.
"This is going to deprive us of getting married, because our lovers won't wait for us for five years," 16-year-old Michelle Martyn from Mbabane was quoted as saying in an interview with the Johannesburg based 'Sunday Independent' newspaper. Also interviewed was Lungile Dlamini, 17, who was reported as saying that it was unfair of the king, who had seven wives and a fianc e, to expect them to observe the chastity rite while his 14-year-old daughter went to school in Britain, out of reach of Swazi law.
Swaziland Action Against Abuse (SAAA), an NGO which counsels rape and incest victims, welcomed the return to traditional values, saying it would help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is estimated to have killed 50,000 Swazis.
Reaction from a Swazi woman about the ban:
http://www.hivnet.ch:8000/topics/gender-aids/viewR?896
010927
IR010961
Copyright © 2001 - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Integrated Regional Information Network. .
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980 – 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .