" A virginity test is the practice and process of determining whether a female is a virgin, ie., whether she has never engaged in sexual intercourse "Why Virginity Testing - Virginity test is done to prevent and control the spread of HIV / AIDS or to investigate the Raped of women. Depending on the culture and country where many procedure is performed. Its original purpose was to make sure women stayed “Pure” until marriage.
"120,000 South Africans are estimated to die of AIDS related illnesses this year".
Testing process
The process of virginity testing varies by region. In areas where medical doctors are readily available, such as Turkey, the tests will often be given in a doctor's office. However, in countries where doctors are not available, testers will often be older, respectable women or Husband Before Honeymoon.
In virginity tests, the presence of a hymen is often used to determine if a woman is a virgin. Another form of virginity tests involves testing for laxity of vaginal muscles with fingers (the "two-finger test"). A Man/Woman performs the test by inserting a finger into the female's vagina to check the level of vaginal laxity, which is used to determine if she is "habituated to sexual intercourse".
Among the Bantu of South Africa, virginity testing or even the suturing of the labia majora (called infibulation) has been commonplace. Traditionally, Kenuzi girls (of theSudan) are married before puberty by adult men who inspect them manually for virginity.
The inspection of the hymen is where the vagina is examined to see if it has not been broken prematurely. 120,000 South Africans are estimated to die of AIDS related illnesses this year. This is where the old culture and customs of virginity testing has emerged.
Modern Virginity Testing
Reasons for testing
Preventing the spread of HIV and teenage pregnancy are examples of reasons given by proponents of virginity testing. In 2004, a Zimbabwean village chief, Naboth Makoni, stated that he would adopt a plan to enforce virginity tests as a way of protecting his people against HIV. He explained that he focuses on girls because he believes they are easier to control than boys. In South Africa, where virginity testing is banned, the Zulu tribe believes that the practice prevents the spread of HIV and teenage pregnancy. A woman interviewed by the Washington Post stated that "[Virginity testing] is important so that young girls become scared of boys. Because what happens is first the boy strips you of your virginity, and the next thing you know is you are pregnant and you have HIV.
Depending on whether the girl in question is declared a virgin, the aftermath of the test can be joy or anger. In Zulu culture, there is a tradition in which girls of a certain age can perform a dance for the king. However, only virgins are allowed to participate. If a girl is tested and declared a virgin, she brings honor to her family. If a girl is found not to be a virgin, her father may have to pay a fine for ‘tainting’ the community and the girl may be shunned from the ‘certified’ virgins. Because of the ramifications that being considered impure have for the girls and their families, virginity testing has the potential to be a life-changing event.
"120,000 South Africans are estimated to die of AIDS related illnesses this year".
Testing process
The process of virginity testing varies by region. In areas where medical doctors are readily available, such as Turkey, the tests will often be given in a doctor's office. However, in countries where doctors are not available, testers will often be older, respectable women or Husband Before Honeymoon.
In virginity tests, the presence of a hymen is often used to determine if a woman is a virgin. Another form of virginity tests involves testing for laxity of vaginal muscles with fingers (the "two-finger test"). A Man/Woman performs the test by inserting a finger into the female's vagina to check the level of vaginal laxity, which is used to determine if she is "habituated to sexual intercourse".
Among the Bantu of South Africa, virginity testing or even the suturing of the labia majora (called infibulation) has been commonplace. Traditionally, Kenuzi girls (of theSudan) are married before puberty by adult men who inspect them manually for virginity.
Ancient Virginity Testing
For example, in India a thread ritual is a form of virginity testing. Also known as the Thread Ceremony or Kukari ki Rasam.
Not only is the thread used in some cases to torture women, It is also used to check the intactment of the hymen. In India there is a centuries-old custom of "Kukari ki Rasam" (thread ritual), where a skein of thread is used to detect the presence of an intact hymen. . Virginity tests are not covered under the Indian Penal Code and therefore cannot be considered a crime so a case cannot be filed against these practices.
Where as in other cultures the sheets of a new bride is inspected for blood after intercourse to prove her hymen was broken for the first time.(as seen below)- Kukari ki Rasam ( Thread Ceremony )
- Paani ki Dheej
- Agnipariksha
- Finger Test
- Hymen Test
For example, in India a thread ritual is a form of virginity testing. Also known as the Thread Ceremony or Kukari ki Rasam.
Not only is the thread used in some cases to torture women, It is also used to check the intactment of the hymen. In India there is a centuries-old custom of "Kukari ki Rasam" (thread ritual), where a skein of thread is used to detect the presence of an intact hymen. . Virginity tests are not covered under the Indian Penal Code and therefore cannot be considered a crime so a case cannot be filed against these practices.
The inspection of the hymen is where the vagina is examined to see if it has not been broken prematurely. 120,000 South Africans are estimated to die of AIDS related illnesses this year. This is where the old culture and customs of virginity testing has emerged.
Other tests used in India are the
"Paani ki Dheej" (purity by water) or "Agnipariksha" (trial
by fire). In the purity by water test, the woman has to hold her breath under
water while another person takes one hundred steps. If she is unable to do
this, she is not considered a virgin.
In the trial by fire test, the brides
have to walk with red-hot iron in their hands with just a plate made out of
leaves and dough to shield her hands from the heat. If her hands are burnt, she
is considered to be impure.
Reasons for testing
- Prevention of disease and pregnancy
Preventing the spread of HIV and teenage pregnancy are examples of reasons given by proponents of virginity testing. In 2004, a Zimbabwean village chief, Naboth Makoni, stated that he would adopt a plan to enforce virginity tests as a way of protecting his people against HIV. He explained that he focuses on girls because he believes they are easier to control than boys. In South Africa, where virginity testing is banned, the Zulu tribe believes that the practice prevents the spread of HIV and teenage pregnancy. A woman interviewed by the Washington Post stated that "[Virginity testing] is important so that young girls become scared of boys. Because what happens is first the boy strips you of your virginity, and the next thing you know is you are pregnant and you have HIV.
- Royal affirmation
Depending on whether the girl in question is declared a virgin, the aftermath of the test can be joy or anger. In Zulu culture, there is a tradition in which girls of a certain age can perform a dance for the king. However, only virgins are allowed to participate. If a girl is tested and declared a virgin, she brings honor to her family. If a girl is found not to be a virgin, her father may have to pay a fine for ‘tainting’ the community and the girl may be shunned from the ‘certified’ virgins. Because of the ramifications that being considered impure have for the girls and their families, virginity testing has the potential to be a life-changing event.
- Immigration
If the women were virgins, they were more likely to be telling the truth about their reason for immigrating.
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