Virginity testing under fire

2003-07-17 08:20

East London - Testing young girls for virginity is a violation of human rights and the right to bodily integrity, Eastern Cape women's and children's organisations said on Wednesday.

This comes after a virginity testing and certification ceremony held at the Qawukeni Great Place on Tuesday.

More than 500 virgins, both male and female, were certified.

Masimanyane Women's Organisation director Lesley-Ann Foster said her organisation had a meeting with Girl Child Network of Zimbabwe regarding virginity testing on Wednesday.

They share the same views, saying the practice puts young women at risk because they have certificates "advertising" they are virgins and this harnesses a myth in operation that sleeping with a virgin will rid one of HIV/Aids.

They believe the practice leads to child abuse because children become confused about the rights they have over their bodies.

"Women are always on the receiving end of these negative practices," she said.

According to East London Child and Family Welfare director Saartjie van Wyk, the ritual is "terrible".

Children as young as eight were tested.

"Unfortunately we cannot act against it because it did not occur in our area," Van Wyk said.

Although virgin testing does encourage postponing sex until marriage in young people, the ritual contradicts the constitution's stand on human rights.

Although this is an old African tradition, the organisations are concerned with the rights of people involved.

"Whether it is cultural or not, we are definitely against it.

"This type of ritual is not indigenous to African society - post-medieval European society practiced it. We are not attacking African cultural practices," said Foster.

South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) child rights commissioner Charlotte McClain described the testing as degrading and intrusive.

"Though we recognise the educational intentions of this practice, I do not think this is the best method," said McClain.

- SAPA