Abstract:
Despite the fact that it brings harmful causes to women, virginity test prevails
among several communities as a measuring tool of purity of a girl and as a
traditional wedding practice. Virginity test is such a kind of violence, does not
attract much research and few literature is available on this. Accordingly, this
study was formed to explore the reasons and scientific basis behind bridal
virginity test as a custom which prevails even among Muslims as well. This paper
presents one of the sub aims of the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This study is
entirely a qualitative anthropological study. Following snowball sampling
technique, nine cases were studied in depth to collect data. Findings reveal that
the entire process of virginity test is useless, harmful and humiliating practice.
Further, it was explained as a biased and an unfair practice. Rather than relevance,
study reveals that the entire process is irrelevant. Study excavated interesting and
traumatic stories related to virginity test. Prior marriage counseling, awareness to
adults, gender and sex education at secondary and tertiary education were
suggested by respondents in order to curb this practice from communities. It was
suggested to educate the community at all levels despite gender differences, that
virginity test is not scientific.
