Skip to content
Infano-logo
  • Health & Fitness
  • Sexual Health
  • Mental Health
  • Periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Parenting
  • PCOS
  • HerStory
  • Campaign
  • pink-search-icon
    • Close

Does a Virginity Test decide the character of a woman?

Written By: Sindhu Kambam
March 31, 2021

Highlights

  • A woman’s virginity is still considered as a deciding factor to evaluate her character.
  • Wedding Night Virginity Test is against a woman’s right to live life with dignity and right to privacy  and is a Sexual Assault on Women.
  • It’s a myth that the hymen gets ruptured only during sexual intercourse.
  • Is a Woman a Product to check for Defects?
  • Why is a man’s virginity never questioned?
  • It’s time to put an end to this humiliating practice of disrespecting women’s sexuality and violation of basic human rights.
  • Quick Read
  • Full Read

Virginity testing is a long-standing practice in several regions of the world. Some cultures like the Kanjarbhat community, in India, still believe that the practice of virginity test for brides before marriage is a mandatory ritual, which is based on the outdated notions of “purity”.

A virginity test is a practice that intends to determine whether a girl or woman is a virgin, to ensure that she has never engaged in, or been subjected to, sexual intercourse. The custom of Wedding night virginity testing has been designed to prove that a bride’s sexual encounter with her new husband is her first sexual experience and that her hymen is broken on her wedding night.

Virginity tests are unreliable and invasive and notoriously inaccurate as it is extremely difficult to determine whether any change to the hymen is a result of penetrative sex or other activities. Let’s hope at least the next generation will ensure to eradicate this humiliating practice of women’s sexuality and violation of basic human rights.

Spread the love

No matter how progressive we are today or how the world talks about feminism and breaking stereotypes towards women, Women are still subjected to humiliation and violation of their rights by the Virginity tests.

Hundreds of women are forced to take virginity tests not only in India and Asian countries but also in Western countries like Canada, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands.

A woman’s virginity is still considered as a deciding factor to evaluate her character and is being perpetrated in the name of customs and traditions.

What is a Virginity Test?

A virginity test is a practice that intends to determine whether a woman is a virgin, to ensure that she has never been engaged in sexual intercourse.

How are virginity tests performed?

Different communities around the world use different methods to test the virginity of women.

Some of the commonly used methods are

1.     Inspect the hymen and look at its size and shape.

2.     The “two-finger test,” involves inserting fingers into the vagina.

Breaking the Myths about Hymen

The hymen is a thin elastic piece of skin that surrounds the opening of the vagina. Every individual hymen is unique in appearance.

Not all women have the same thickness of hymen. Some have very thin hymen without blood vessels, or too thick hymen which may not get ruptured but is just stretched.

Virginity tests are unreliable, sexist, and inaccurate. And yet they persist

It’s a myth that the hymen gets ruptured only during sexual intercourse and results in little bleeding.

Physical activities like cycling, sporting activities or invasive medical procedures, or the use of tampons can tear or stretch the hymen.

A woman may not have had sex previously but may nonetheless not bleed during her first sexual encounter and it has also been quoted that the hymen can heal even after being ruptured.

Virginity tests are unreliable and invasive and notoriously inaccurate as it is extremely difficult to determine whether any change to the hymen is a result of penetrative sex or other activities.

Virginity Testing – Wedding Night Ritual

Virginity testing is a long-standing practice in several regions of the world. We live in a male-centric society and for centuries, men have been making the rules. Most of the women feel that the rules need to be followed or else they would be boycotted from the community.

Some cultures like the Kanjarbhat community, in India, still believe that the practice of virginity test for brides before marriage is a mandatory ritual, which is based on the outdated notions of “purity”.

This 400-year-old custom has been designed to prove that a bride’s sexual encounter with her new husband is her first sexual experience and that her hymen is broken on her wedding night.

According to the custom, newlyweds in the community are handed a white cloth on their wedding night to use during intercourse.

The family or by a council of elders check for the blood stains on the cloth and declare whether the bride is a virgin.

‘Blood on the bed sheet a must’ to certify a woman’s character

A girl passes the test only if her hymen breaks and bleeds on the wedding night. The elders then declare her as “Maal Khara hai” which means “goods are pure”.

Is a Woman a Product to check for Defects?

If she doesn’t, they say “Maal Khota hai” meaning she is “spoiled goods” that she had premarital sex and is subjected to beatings and communal humiliation, and even divorce.

Not all people understand that bleeding during the first sexual intercourse does not always mean that the girl is not a virgin.

How it impacts women?

Conducting virginity tests to know the purity of a woman is against her right to live with dignity and right to privacy. It’s a Sexual Assault.

Though many women are railing against the practice, they are threatened by their family members or partners and are often performed without her consent.

Do I need to prove I am a Virgin? Does this define my character?

Women are subjected to guilt, shame, depression, self-disgust, anxiety, and a negative body image, and in some extreme cases even honor killings if they fail to prove their virginity.

Is there an end to this practice?

Today, most women are refusing to undergo the virginity tests and are even fighting with their families and elders to change the way they see and trust women.

Even men are supporting women to fight the regressive tradition of conducting virginity tests on brides and are protesting and campaigning against ‘virginity tests’ on brides.

The sexual assault of women can be stopped only when you can answer the following questions.

Does the virginity of women matter to lead a happy life? If so,

Why is a man’s virginity never questioned?

Why should a woman always need to go through an exam to prove something about her sexual history?

Why wouldn’t society simply believe what she says?

Just Think About It.

We hope at least this generation will ensure to eradicate this humiliating practice of women’s sexuality and violation of basic human rights.

CustomhymenHymen mythssocietyvirginityVirginity TestWedding Ritualwomens rights

Sindhu Kambam

A content writer by profession with a passion in art and science. Being a nature and technology lover, she loves to solve real problems that makes life easier.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Infano Care

Online Harassments Amid Pandemic — The Sad Reality!

Written By: Sonali
April 24, 2021 | 05:12 PM |
763

Highlights

  • What happens when a woman puts her contact details out for help?
  • All men aren’t bad… but some are!
  • Is there any end to online harassment?
  • How can women stay safe by themselves?
  • Quick Read
  • Full Read

In a time when the pandemic is at a fight with people — when the leaders have left us all alone and the hospitals are running out of oxygens and beds — there are some people who are just not able to stop thinking from their genitals!

A sick environment is responsible for the sick mentalities around, but what would someone do when half the country is sick both physically and mentally?

Well, this is the reality — sad, and it is going to take a lot of time to get fixed.

Read to know what COVID-19 is bringing with itself along with the deadly virus!!

Spread the love

What happens when you put your contact details out for help amid the pandemic?

People praise you — thank you for being a good samaritan and help you as much as they can!

So… what happens when a girl or a woman put her contact details out for help?

Well, well… before you guess, check these few tweets out!

A guy updated his ex’s phone number on an editable covid information list just for revenge. The girl broke down after a while and the patients got false hope and ended up wasting time and energy. This is the sad state of evilness in such upsetting times.

— Aanchal Agrawal (@awwwnchal) April 19, 2021

Been looking for plasma donors, and my no has been around in some groups + stories. I've fielded calls from men asking me if I'm single, if I can share photos, my dp is nice etc, and 1 "friend" who said he'd help if 'at least now you go on a date with me'

Some men are DISGUSTING

— Shasvathi Siva (@shasvathi) April 15, 2021

I thought it wouldn't get worse, but since this morning, I've received (on whatsapp) 3 dick pics, and 7 men trying to video call me continuously. Even in a medical emergency, men think only with their genitals.

Women: NEVER, EVER let your number out in public forums. https://t.co/CAJJKiQmR6

— Shasvathi Siva (@shasvathi) April 16, 2021

Yeah, you see, all men aren’t bad… but some are!!

In a time when the pandemic is at a fight with people — when the leaders have left us all alone and the hospitals are running out of oxygens and beds — there are some people who are just not able to stop thinking from their genitals!

A sick environment is responsible for the sick mentalities around, but what would someone do when half the country is sick both physically and mentally?

“A lot of good samaritans came forward to help out and give me contacts. A few friends helped me get the word out by asking some influential contacts to post on my behalf. And my number was circulated. That’s when the issues began. In a day, I got multiple video calls, so fast in succession that I couldn’t find a few seconds to block. It was wildly violating my space,” wrote Mumbai-based writer Shasvathi Siva on her Twitter page describing the horror she went through — only because she thought of helping and battling the pandemic.

What’s the end to this?

“A guy updated his ex’s phone number on an editable Covid information list just for revenge. The girl broke down after a while, and the patients got false hope and ended up wasting time and energy. This is the sad state of evilness in such upsetting times,” wrote another Twitter user, Aanchal Agrawal.

And this is not it. There would be innumerable of such stories — untold, unshared and unreported.

To avoid such a horror experience, NS Nappinai, advocate, Supreme Court and founder of Cyber Saathi, shares, “almost in every household there is a minimum of two phone numbers. Give out your brother’s number, or someone else’s number or even the hospital’s number. Look at the alternative, which is the least personal. Also, put a date on the message. There might be a chance that it will not get circulated beyond that date. They just have to be cautious.” 

That’s what Shasvathi only says,

My advice to all women is to not put numbers on a public forum. The stress isn’t worth it. As much as I wish we could live freely, we really cannot. Rather use a male friend/dad/brother’s numbers.

“The people who take advantage of such situations don’t understand the seriousness of it. They think they pulled a fast one on somebody. It is important, therefore, to nip such depraved actions in the bud through the legal process. I still have sick family and friends, that’s where my focus is,” she added.

“When dealing with such Covid related requirements and services, please stick to the verified portals for help — registered NGOs or authorised government agencies. Even now, the government agencies are sharing the contact details of various legitimate vendors on social media, so please check for whether they are verified and legit sources or not,” said Prathamesh Sonsurkar, cybersecurity expert and founder of WhiteHack OPC.

“Check the person’s social media posts – their comments section. Scan for authenticity and keep a lookout for any untoward comment or post by the person,” he further added.

Too much gyan from too many people?

Well, this is the reality — sad, and it is going to take a lot of time to get fixed.

Women are advised to be cautious by themselves.

Look for safer options. Look for a secure way of sharing information about the pandemic. And do not share any important and personal details online. While there are too many needy people around us, there are a few perverts wandering as well!!

To register a complaint against online harassment, visit https://cybercrime.gov.in. 

Sad very sad height of frustration : pic.twitter.com/j1RZfcjmj7

— Siddhanth Pilania (@sidhanthpilania) April 19, 2021
coronacoronavirusPandemicsexual harassment

Sonali

A 'non-9-5 desk job' ambivert geek who chooses her own audience, Sonali loves sharing stories and finding the corners where humanity still exists! She believes that every individual's story is unique and special. She loves writing about the untouched and unspoken segments of society. When not writing, you can find her listening to someone's stories or playing with dogs. Sonali values mental health and encourages people to speak their heart out!

Related Posts

Mental Health 4 mins Read

Recovering from depression- How I Pieced My Life Back

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin October, 7 2021 | 09:04 AM
Sexual Health 2 mins Read

LGBT Influencers Who Defied The Idea Of ‘Assigning Gender At Birth’!

Written By: Sonali September, 17 2020 | 07:15 PM
Men For Menstruation 3 mins Read

Like Charity, Menstrual Conversations Must Start At Home

Written By: Infano May, 21 2021 | 08:32 AM
Periods 3 mins Read

Beginners guide to use menstrual cup and tampons

Written By: Shweta Singh June, 20 2022 | 06:58 PM
Social 4 mins Read

Do Homemakers Need to Be Paid For Their Work?

Written By: Infano January, 8 2021 | 01:51 PM
Parenting 6 mins Read

Baby-Led Weaning: Guidance From A Doctor

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin June, 24 2021 | 09:00 AM
Mental Health 3 mins Read

Women Supporting Women: Make It A Reality!

Written By: Sonali April, 17 2022 | 01:46 PM
Health & Fitness 3 mins Read

Antioxidants And Joint Health

Written By: Misha April, 25 2022 | 12:50 PM
Health & Fitness 4 mins Read

How These Celebrities Braved Breast Cancer

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin October, 13 2020 | 05:33 PM
Social 4 mins Read

Man Arrested For Flashing At Bengaluru Based Writer!

Written By: Sonali November, 9 2020 | 11:32 PM
Health & Fitness 5 mins Read

Women’s Health: Tackling Skin Problems In Winter

Written By: Infano December, 11 2021 | 03:09 PM
HerStory 4 mins Read

This Physician Is Juggling Multiple Roles With Panache #HerStory

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin January, 15 2022 | 03:26 PM
HerStory 5 mins Read

Meet The Transwoman Who Became India’s First International Trans Queen!

Written By: Sonali September, 24 2020 | 08:50 PM
Health & Fitness 3 mins Read

The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Women’s Health: World Coconut Day

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin September, 2 2021 | 02:27 PM
Health & Fitness 3 mins Read

How Bollywood Has Distorted Our Ideas of Sexuality and Body Image

Written By: Sindhu Kambam April, 13 2021 | 04:34 PM
Social 4 mins Read

#KnowYourRights: Laws That Protect Women And Their Rights!

Written By: Parvez November, 10 2020 | 06:22 PM

Subscribe to our Newsletter

To keep yourself updated with women-related news around the globe, articles, opinions, suggestions and exclusive offers that you should not miss, subscribe to our newsletter.

    Home | About Us | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cancellations and Refund Policy | Pricing-Policy
    © 2023 Infano Women's Health | Lifestyle | Success Stories • Powered by GeneratePress

    Insert/edit link

    Enter the destination URL

    Or link to existing content

      No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.