Absence of small tissue becomes big issue

1) Show use of balanced sources in a story

2) Highlight societal contradictions with regard to gender and cultural issues

3) Use media to make traditionalists aware of retrogressive practices especially those that do not respect human rights.

4) Educate on children’s rights and the constitution.

5) Instigate discussion on virginity testing.

 

The writer presented balanced views and comments of both supporters and detractors, and the thousands of young girls who are persuaded and willing to submit to virginity testing. High ranking individuals such as the Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini and Nomagugu Ngobese, founder of the Nomkhubulwane culture and Youth Development Organisation see virginity testing as upholding cultural and indigenous knowledge systems. It is noted that Jacob Zuma while still in office encouraged girls to go for virginity testing as a way of curbing the spread of HIV and AIDs. The practice is couched as a status symbol while the “testers” and aides cash in on the practice. Girls taking part and interviewed said the practice maintained their culture.

 

The reporter interviewed researchers from the AIDS programme at the University of KwaZulu Natal who state that virginity testing has not been effective in the prevention of HIV and AIDs. The reporter quoted South Africa’s constitution which protects children’s rights, their rights to privacy, bodily integrity and has out-lawed virginity testing. However, traditionalists are contesting the same legal instrument.

1)   What constitutes child abuse, and what constitutes traditional practices ? Can tradional practices be child abuse?

2)   Are the sources balanced ?

3)   Is the headline effective ? 
4)   How can the media contribute in enforcing laws protecting children’s rights ?

5)   Are girls and boys held to the same expectations when it comes to virginity.

 

1) In groups, examine different cultural practices, their place in society today, and legal instrument pertainiing to them.  Share your findings.

2) Based on the above, conduct interviews, being sure to get a balance of perspectives, and write articles about the different cultural practices.

3) Have a debate.

4) In light of high rates of sexual abuse and sexual violence, examine the impact of virginity testing. Research the statistics around girls who report their first sexual encounter was not consensual.

 

 Other training resources
Strategic HIV and AIDs training manual. 
Gender Mainstreaming in Journalism at entry level. Page 53

 

Virginity ? Everyone should have the right to choose 
Virginity revisited ? A matter of trust