virginity testing in africa

The New Tactics in HIV/AIDS Prevention

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Written &

Created By

Jamillah Pascal-Peters

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Virginity Testing has been around for years. Its original purpose was to make sure women stayed

“Pure” until marriage.

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In Many Countries Virginity Testing has emerged back to surface to help prevent and

control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

There is much controversy over this matter. The issue is the human rights of women, even when willing to participate.

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Depending on the culture and country where this procedure

is performed,Virginity testing is done in

different ways.

Different cultures, different procedures.

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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. 6

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)

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The inspection of the hymen is where the vagina is

examined to see if it has not been broken

prematurely.

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The only problem with this test is that the hymen

is a sensitive part of the vagina that can be broken

very easily in child play or other physical

activities, even with the insertion of tampons

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The figure on the left is a picture of a

vagina. Here it shows how sleek and thin the Hymen

is. Giving a good

example on how easy it can be

ruptured10

Those who have been tested and branded as

virgins, have decorated their face

with colorful dots to show their purity

to the world.

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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.

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Being tested and labeled a virgin in South Africa can make

one proud and very happy.

It is a great and positive achievement,

and showing that with colorful dots Demonstrates that as well.

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After undergoing the examination and being

clarified as a virgin, many women are being attacked

and raped. 14

Here is an older woman sometimes

called a “midwife”,

she administering virginity

testing.

They are from the Zulu tribe

in Africa. There are 56 other girls

waiting outside for

their turn to get tested

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Here is a picture of two of the 56 girls

waiting to get tested

To the Zulu people, they believe that

these customs helps discourage early

sexual intercourse and help fight the

spread of HIV.

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The Zulu Parliament has banned some of the virginity testing,

giving the punishment of 10

years behind bars for violations of these

laws.

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The problem with the virginity testing, is that its often inaccurate.

Part of the testing procedure is checking for the hymen to be intact. Some girls aren't born with this or may have a physical injury causing it

to erupt.

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At the end of the day, Virginity testing has its pros and its

cons on whether or not there are any positive

outcomes with these procedures.

Some believe that a hymen doesn't indicate HIV, giving the virginity

testing an irrelevant status

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Sources

http://www.awid.org/go.php?stid=1515

http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=56222

http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/virginitytest.html

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2006/01/01/2003286981

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