Bridal virginity test among Sri Lankans: relevance and scientific nature

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.