The hymen is thin piece of mucous tissue that covers the vagina opening has no physiological function, has few blood vessels yet it for some it has deep cultural meaning and consequences. The need for a man or women to know its presence is about trust. The presence is supposed to indicate that a female has not had intercourse even though the hymen can be broken many ways that have nothing to do with intercourse. Its mystique encourages men to want to marry a woman whose proof of her virginity lies in this thin tissue. Young women have internalized this message which says to them they will not be able to get a husband, can be labeled as promiscuous, shunned by peers unless their hymen is intact. Blood stains sheets on the nuptial night is supposed to prove that the man got his trophy so called the “cherry.” Once again women are penalized just for being born female.
The question is rarely asked if the men have had sex before and if yes with what type of sexual partner. Here is the rub somehow men are expected to come to relationships experienced how do they get their experiences is it with men, women, boys? Once again double standards apply, men are allowed to have sex with women prior to marriage but women are not. Even if women are forced to have sex against their will or raped, they are blamed and bring shame on their families that often lead to mercy killings. Once again women are penalized for being born female.
Demanding the presence of a women’s hymen as a symbol of virginity is about power and control. As soon as girls are born, they are indoctrinated by believing being born female is a problem that can only be remedied by conforming to rules and taboos that support their oppression. Women the become the enforcers of oppression and make sure the next generation learns how to pass the oppressive behaviors to young women. The way these women have earned respect and stability is through the enforcement of these oppressive factors and they do it out of love and concern for their offspring. Once again women are being penalized for being born female.