#HealthNews: Virginity testing an act of violence against women - WHO


Violence against women takes multiple forms:
Intimate partner violence
Physical
Sexual
Psychological
Female Genital Mutilation
Forced and early marriages
Femicide
Trafficking
Virginity Testing

Virginity Testing is an act of violence against women.

“Virginity testing” aka “two-finger testing” has no scientific or clinical basis. It is an inspection of female genitalia designed to determine whether a woman or a lady has had vaginal intercourse.

Virginity testing is:
1️⃣ medically unnecessary
2️⃣ often times painful
3️⃣ humiliating and traumatic
4️⃣ a form of violence against women and girls.


There is NO examination that can prove a girl or woman has had sex.

So-called Virginity testing is often performed by inspecting the hymen for tears or its size of opening, and/or inserting fingers into the vagina (the “two-finger” test).

Girls are subjected, and often forced, to undergo Virginity Testing for various reasons - including requests from parents or potential partners to establish marriage eligibility or from employers for employment eligibility.



Health professionals and their professional associations should be aware that  Virginity Testing has NO scientific merit and cannot determine past vaginal penetration.


The term “virginity” is not a medical or scientific term.  Rather, the concept of “virginity” is a social, cultural and religious construct – one that reflects gender discrimination against women and girls.

Say NO to #VirginityTesting!

World Health Organization 
@who


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#Education: LAUTECH Upgrades Nursing Department to Faculty of Nursing Sciences

Image
Nigeria - The growth of nursing profession in Nigeria is considered "slow as snail" yet its moving up the ladder. Nursing is one of the fastest growing profession in the world. Another giant stride for nursing profession in Nigeria has been achieved. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Oyo State recently upgraded its Nursing Department to a full fledged Faculty of Nursing. This is the first faculty of Nursing in a State University in Nigeria. Professor B.L. Ajibade, has been confirmed the Acting Dean of Faculty of Nursing, LAUTECH. He's an erudite scholar, a seasoned administrator, a loving mentor, a professional nurse per excellence, an experienced academician, and a dynamic nursing achiever. Adams Health Blog wishes Professor a successful tenure in sound health and admonishes never relent in efforts until nursing of desired is attained. Congratulations Professor B.L. Ajibade Congratulations Nursing Community LAUTECH Congratulati
Read more

Say No To Tobacco - WHO

Image
Today is World No Tobacco Day. Facts: Tobacco KILLS 1 person every 4 seconds ? There are much greater things in life to take your breath away!  "Say #NoTobacco! 🚭" Fact: Tobacco KILLS 8 million people each year. This includes 1 MILLION deaths from second-hand smoking exposure. Today and every day, don't let tobacco take your breath away! Fact: Tobacco smokers are up to 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer in their lifetime, compared to non-smokers. Fact: 1 in 5 tobacco smokers will develop chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema in their lifetime, resulting in agonizing breathing difficulties. Fact:  Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to develop #asthma and experience frequent and more severe asthma attacks. Fact: Exposure to tobacco smoking impacts greatly on the lung health of people around the world, including: 1. Lung cancer 2. Chronic respiratory disease 3. Across the life-course 4. Tuberculosis 5. Air pollution Fact:
Read more