The Sex Lives of African Women

The Sex Lives of African Women is a non-fiction book about the diverse sexual experiences of 32 Black and African women on their journey to "self-discovery," "freedom," and "healing."Written by Ghanaian activist Nana Darkoa Sekyiaman (@dfordarkoa), co-founder of the Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women blog, the book recounts the personal experiences of African women from Kenya to Germany, Britain to Haiti, and Zimbabwe to Canada. Personally speaking, the heterosexual stories of Black Muslim women were of particular interest to me.In this case, the story of an empowered 42 year old Kenyan woman married to a polygamous husband in Senegal was a refreshing read, as she spoke candidly about her insatiable sex drive, dealing with jealous co-wives and finding love in a religious marriage after converting to Islam. Another captivating story was of a 34 year year old Fulani woman from Cameroon who spoke about her ongoing divorce from a sexless marriage that was extremely passionate before she gave birth. The book also includes some harrowing stories of African women dealing with vaginismus, sexual assault, and abortion in Muslim-majority societies. The lack of positive heterosexual relationships in the book was alarming as reflected by the words of an Ivorian woman in France who said "I don't have a happy story to share with you," serving as a reminder that many Black women in Europe feel unloved, undesired and unseen by Black men, according to the author.I imagine feminists and Black women would find this book (@thesexlivesofafricanwomen) deeply affirming as it centers the intimate voices of Black, African, and Afro-descendant women. For men or those who are from a very conversative background, the book may challenge some of your perceptions about women and their journey to sexual freedom and agency. Whilst the book may not be to everyone's liking, it's an important read for anyone interested in hearing some of the sexual experiences and challenges that Black and African women face in the modern age.

Easy to read short story-like. Intimate, honest and well written tales of black women and sex. This book is therapeutic and I'd recommend for all black women. Especially those who are reflecting on their relationships, past and present.

Very sensitively written honest exploration of sexuality in its widest sense. I couldn't put it down. Kudos to the writer and everyone who told their stories so generously.

Uninteresting in the end.

I felt like I wasn't alone in my struggles and experience. I Recommend for any african woman searching for themselves.

As an avid researcher in gender studies focusing on women sexuality, I find this piece intriguing! This is a comprehensive text with first hand accounts of women’s sexual experiences. The author highlights various social, religious, and cultural factors hindering complete sexual affirmation and fulfilment for many women as her interviews engage with the truest forms of sexual struggles, limitations and expectations associated with the sex life of African women. Assessing conversations I have had with some of my friends across different cultures and works of life, I can boldly state that women have continued to testify to having similar experiences in the present day Africa. This calls for a total reassessment of the perception of sexuality and emphasises the need to invest more in sex education.I cannot thank William enough for getting me this book in recognition of my interests and passion for the sexual liberation of black African women.

It was a book I needed to read and one I will be buying copies for all my fellow Africans struggling to make sense of sex, sexuality and trauma. It feels good to know you’re not alone, even if you don’t have all the answers yet - this book does that perfectly.