Motherhood and sexuality

This perspective investigates the relationship between motherhood and sexuality. It discusses what it means to be a mother and how sexuality is experienced by women of diverse backgrounds in Lesotho. Motherhood and sexuality are both severely contested areas in women's lives, as social constructions make it a heavily policed space. As a result, mothers have to abide by numerous 'unwritten laws', most of which are strictly obeyed in Lesotho society. These unwritten laws of how women need to behave when they are mothers often creates conflict with their sexuality, and those who fail to adhere to the 'laws' are labelled and shunned. Drawing from personal experiences, I will debate the impact motherhood has on women's sexuality and discuss possible coping mechanisms for women to be able to do both live their lives as mothers and fulfil their sexual needs.