virginity testing in africa
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TRANSCRIPT
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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