The WHO wants to put an end to the practice of “virginity tests” which it considers a “violation of the human rights” of women. In one report, the United Nations Office for Human Rights (UNODH), the United Nations Women and the World Health Organization (WHO) warn against these methods, still widespread in some regions of the world, which consist in evaluating the virginity of women. The practice, carried out by doctors, police officers or community leaders on women and girls, to assess their virtue, honor or social worth, is “medically unnecessary and often painful, humiliating and traumatic”, depending on the organization. These tests promote stereotypes about female sexuality and “gender inequality” according to the report.
The two most common techniques for virginity testing are the inspection of the hymen or the insertion of the fingers into the vagina (“two fingers” test). Both methods are carried out with the belief that inspection of the female genitals can indicate whether the woman has had sexual intercourse. However, “the appearance of the hymen of a girl or a woman does not prove that she has had sexual relations or that she is sexually active”, demystifies the WHO which specifies that no “version virginity test is not supported by scientific evidence “.
A danger to physical and mental health
These methods are not without risk for the woman. “The test can damage the genitals and lead to bleeding and infection.” Virginity tests are sometimes performed on many girls at a time, by untrained individuals or in poor hygienic conditions, for example with the repetitive use of the same gloves, exposing them to a risk ofsexually transmitted infectionand of HIV.
The declaration also points to the mental and social impact of the victims with the appearance of psychological disorders: intense anxiety, panic, depression, guilt, feelings of self-destruction, loss of self-esteem, dysfunctional sex life, social isolation. , etc.
The WHO concludes by calling for the eradication of this practice in the regions where it still occurs, in particular by raising awareness among health professionals and public authorities.
Virginity tests are still carried out in more than 20 countries: Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ireland of North, Zimbabwe, etc.
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