Should virginity testing be banned?
“It’s our culture and we will not shun it. The constitution says that the identity of a person is through their culture, so why humiliate us and ours by saying it is wrong for us to practise it? We cannot fold our hands and let other people destroy what projects us as a nation.”says Thembi Sibisi a virgin tester.
The ancient tradition of virginity testing seems to conflict with modern views on individualism and human rights. South African legislation protects individuals and their rights, placing women equal to men. Virginity testing, however, is a private and confidential test to establish whether a woman has previously engaged in sexual conduct. A pure woman stands a greater chance to meet a man, and is accepted in the community for having abstained from any misconduct.
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Women, under South African law, have a right though to refuse virginity tests. Refusing this test, however, is often not an option due to the tradition and pressures of the community. A woman who is no longer a virgin brings shame to the family, and is discriminated against by others. Rape and sexual assault occur, and this test discriminates against girls who have been subjected to such sexual incidents. Men are not required to undergo such a test and often get away with indecent behaviour or criminal activities.
Modern views are that children should be taught about sexuality and act responsibly. There are strong views that woman should not be subjected to this test. Virginity testing is seen as old fashioned, and shows that there is little trust in the youth. The question is whether virginity testing should be banned?
(taken frm the Big Question)
