Women are at the forefront of the so-called Sexual Revolution of the Naughties, perhaps no accident that the new millennium is referred to as such. “Women have come into their own sexually,” says Sexpo's Silas Howarth. “It is a natural progression that can be traced in history right back to women getting the vote, the burning of the bra in the Sixties, women in the workplace and now, of course, commanding more in the bedroom.”
The number of women owning sex toys such as vibrators increased by 4% to 29% from last year's 25%. Surprisingly, more women also indicated a lack of interest in sexual aids (20% last year, 23% this year) to spice up bedroom antics, preferring a more hands-on approach.
Men continue to add some testosterone fantasy to the mix with more 54% of men admitting to enjoying pornography, 26% saying they would indulge in a threesome and 22% saying that they had already experienced one. Women's fantasies usually include their partner only, with 57% of women leaning toward sex in a public place and 80% still agree that they would love to acquire pole dancing or erotic dancing skills.
“Women remain more relationship-focused when it comes to sexual fantasy,” says Howarth, “and while they may be leading the charge sexually, exploration remains mostly within a monogamous relationship.”
However, he says that it comes as no surprise that women continue to experiment with bi-curiosity. Last year's Sexpo Sex Survey showed that 30% of women questioned had had such an experience; this year's results indicate similar numbers, while a whopping 32% admit to having thought about it at least once.
“It is sensually empowering,” says Howarth, “for women more so than men and, in an era where labelling will eventually be confined to brands, we can expect to see a sustained increase.”
Probably the greatest increase in results shows that South Africans are having more sex with a 6% increase in sensual activity recorded (65% last year, 72% this year) having sex at least once a week, while 16% of respondents have sex less than once a month. Monogamy remains high on our sexual agendas, with 78% still claiming absolute commitment.
He adds that the current economic climate, the rocketing fuel price and other social stresses add to a need for escapism. “Sensuality, sexual stimulation and naughty thoughts provide a great escape from the pressures we face daily,” he says, “and many of us find such refuge sexually with our partners.”
Howarth adds that the survey also reflects the increase in visitor numbers at Sexpo. “Sexpo Joburg is back, bigger and sexier,” he says, “and interest is soaring - the show will be three times the size and we are expecting a jump in visitor numbers of over 30% to 40 000 people.”
The online Sexpo Club now also boasts several thousand members. “There is definitely an opening up, so to speak, of society - and the understanding that sexuality should come out from under the carpet. Sex is fun, sex is an innate part of our humanity and should be celebrated as a universal gift.”
Sexpo returns to Johannesburg, 2 - 5 October 2008, this year at Gallagher Estate. For more, go to www.sexpo.co.za.
