Human rights activists react to the murder of a 17-year-old girl in Takhar; “Virginity myth” an excuse for violence against women

In response to the murder of a 17-year-old bride in Takhar on charges of “not being a virgin,” women’s rights activists say that there is no such thing as a “virginity veil” and that this false belief has become a tool to justify violence and murder of women.

They criticized the patriarchal culture and added that even during the republican era, “virginity tests” were officially performed and many women became victims of honor killings after medical reports.

Zarmine Paryani, a human rights activist, emphasized that men are no longer considered virgins after their first sexual intercourse, but in traditional families, premarital relations are accepted for boys and sometimes considered a source of honor; while girls face violence, oppression, and even murder because of this issue.