Okay, what?! This was never an issue on our minds until the WHO (World Health Organisation) made a big statement that revealed this practice is currently happening in a lot of countries (more than 20 countries in fact). In some countries, the two-fingers testing has been around for so many years that it has become a custom #GetOut.
This is a global call to eliminate violence against women and girls everywhere.
The method is medically unnecessary, painful, humiliating and could cause the victim to be traumatised. We are not ovary-acting (bear with me).
Who usually initiates the test?
The test will mostly be initiated by parents who want to check on their daughter’s “honour”. You can’t even get married in some places without having your vagina checked (Yes, really), as your future partner will want to know your “eligibility” as a spouse.
What’s more irritating was to know that occasionally, the test would be conducted as a work requirement and usually would be performed by doctors, police or community leaders (anyone else?). The girl’s (or woman’s) virtue, honour, and social values would be at stake here.
How was it performed?
It is said that if you stare at the vagina long enough then the appearance will tell you one’s virginity status (who’s fortune are you trying to read??). They do it like this:
- The hymen will be inspected according to the tear or size opening. If that didn’t satisfy the tester, then;
- Two fingers will be inserted into the vagina. (This is referred to as the “two-fingers testing”)
However, WHO said nu-uh, there ain’t no difference between the “virgin” and “non-virgin” hymen.
Why are we against this?
One thing for sure is, this is a very straight forward gender discrimination against women. Why exactly does woman have to go through this but not men? (no, we have no grudges against men but think about it).
It could even cause serious health problems and leading to depression and anxiety.
The “non-virgin” women would sometimes be thrown out of their families!
Have you no empathy? Rape victims will be forced to recall their tragic experiences of being raped through this method. This experience could scar one’s life so much so that the person might commit suicide.
These countries manipulated a woman’s ability to own their own body.
Here are some more reasons why this method is irrational:
For the sake of a better world, the world’s governments, health professionals and communities should work hand in hand to make sure that our women have a better chance in life.
We can help by understanding the urgency of this matter and working our way to inform everyone of how this custom should stop, right now. Click here to read more and extend this knowledge to other individuals.
I know this sounds cheesy but really, can we really (really) look away from this when we know that a change is due?
Also read: Women Are Forced To Serve As Wife For Brothers, Get Raped & Assaulted When They Refuse To Comply
