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Papers by Gwen Lesetedi
Gender roles and relations powerfully influence the course and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. G... more Gender roles and relations powerfully influence the course and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Gender-related factors shape the extent to which men, women, boys and girls are vulnerable to HIV infection; the ways in which AIDS affects them; and the kinds of responses that are feasible in different communities and societies. Within the African context, gender inequalities are a major
We critically examine current HIV/AIDS research practices to argue for a reorientation toward par... more We critically examine current HIV/AIDS research practices to argue for a reorientation toward participatory action research (PAR) for a more effective prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana. This position is based on the fact that, there being no known cure for AIDS, prevention remains the most viable approach to the disease. Unlike traditional (academic) research which mainly aims to generate knowledge, often for knowledge sake, PAR integrates policy formulation and change as part of its agenda. Also, through its ability to draw community members to the total research process, the approach is capable of creating a sense of ownership of and responsibility over research knowledge and programmes of action emanating from it on the part of community members. These, in our view, are essential for the successful prevention of HIV/AIDS through changes in attitudes toward and in the practice of sex.
One of the major impediments to economic, social and political development in African is corrupti... more One of the major impediments to economic, social and political development in African is corruption. Although there is an extensive literature explaining the entrenchment of this pandemic for the most part, the explanation ignores the role of colonialism in the genesis and sustenance of corruption in Africa. In this paper, we try to establish a link between colonialism and corruption, its genesis and institutionalisation. We argue that the incidence of corruption could be best understood in the context of colonialism -its systematic use of material inducements to compel African chiefs/administrators to collaborate with them in the pursuit of their colonial project of dominating and exploiting their own peoples. The practices of post-colonial Africa's political and bureaucratic elites are merely an extension of such colonial policies and practices which have served to entrench it.
African Journal of Political Science, 2002
The essay attempts to discuss the genesis and entrenchment of corruption in sub-Saharan Africa ta... more The essay attempts to discuss the genesis and entrenchment of corruption in sub-Saharan Africa taking a holistic approach. By integrating the historical and international contexts of the problem, it links the origins and spread of corruption to the colonization of Africa, the lasting legacy of that colonization, and the actions and practices of international actors. A holistic approach, it is argued, is necessary if the vice is to be understood in its historical totality. This will not only offer a more encompassing explanation of corruption but also allow for the development of well rounded strategies for the alleviation of the problem.
Gender roles and relations powerfully influence the course and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. G... more Gender roles and relations powerfully influence the course and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Gender-related factors shape the extent to which men, women, boys and girls are vulnerable to HIV infection; the ways in which AIDS affects them; and the kinds of responses that are feasible in different communities and societies. Within the African context, gender inequalities are a major
We critically examine current HIV/AIDS research practices to argue for a reorientation toward par... more We critically examine current HIV/AIDS research practices to argue for a reorientation toward participatory action research (PAR) for a more effective prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana. This position is based on the fact that, there being no known cure for AIDS, prevention remains the most viable approach to the disease. Unlike traditional (academic) research which mainly aims to generate knowledge, often for knowledge sake, PAR integrates policy formulation and change as part of its agenda. Also, through its ability to draw community members to the total research process, the approach is capable of creating a sense of ownership of and responsibility over research knowledge and programmes of action emanating from it on the part of community members. These, in our view, are essential for the successful prevention of HIV/AIDS through changes in attitudes toward and in the practice of sex.
One of the major impediments to economic, social and political development in African is corrupti... more One of the major impediments to economic, social and political development in African is corruption. Although there is an extensive literature explaining the entrenchment of this pandemic for the most part, the explanation ignores the role of colonialism in the genesis and sustenance of corruption in Africa. In this paper, we try to establish a link between colonialism and corruption, its genesis and institutionalisation. We argue that the incidence of corruption could be best understood in the context of colonialism -its systematic use of material inducements to compel African chiefs/administrators to collaborate with them in the pursuit of their colonial project of dominating and exploiting their own peoples. The practices of post-colonial Africa's political and bureaucratic elites are merely an extension of such colonial policies and practices which have served to entrench it.
African Journal of Political Science, 2002
The essay attempts to discuss the genesis and entrenchment of corruption in sub-Saharan Africa ta... more The essay attempts to discuss the genesis and entrenchment of corruption in sub-Saharan Africa taking a holistic approach. By integrating the historical and international contexts of the problem, it links the origins and spread of corruption to the colonization of Africa, the lasting legacy of that colonization, and the actions and practices of international actors. A holistic approach, it is argued, is necessary if the vice is to be understood in its historical totality. This will not only offer a more encompassing explanation of corruption but also allow for the development of well rounded strategies for the alleviation of the problem.