Egyptian MP Calls for Women to Undergo Virginity Tests Prior to University Admission

By Hinna Sheikh

London – The MP has called for virginity testing for female students before they are admitted to University  

An Egyptian MP has called for female students to be forced to take a virginity test before being admitted into university.

Elhamy Agina put forward the idea to the Minister of Education to enforce this new proposal, suggesting that university cards would only be issued to female students on completion of the virginity test.

As reported by local Egyptian media Agina was reported to have said: “Any girl who enters university, we have to check her medical examination to prove she is a Miss. Therefore, each girl must present an official document upon being admitted to university stating she’s a Miss.”

He further added: “No one should be upset by this decision. If you’re upset then that means you’re scared that your daughter is in an ‘urfi’ marriage behind your back.”

In Egypt, “Miss” is almost synonymous with virginity and is an indication of whether a woman is a virgin or not.

The term urfi refers to those marriages that can be carried out without the approval of the bride’s guardian and only require two witnesses. It is often viewed in Egyptian society as a secret marriage.

Since local media published reports of Mr Agina’s comments, he has since defended his comments, arguing that they had been misinterpreted. He stated that it was merely a suggestion.

His remarks have caused much controversy on social media, with Egyptian activists, along with others worldwide, coming out to condemn his attacks.

Prominent Egyptian activist, Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltawy) tweeing: “I see Egyptian parliamentarian Elhamy Agena’s obsession with women’s vagina continues.”

I see #Egyptian parliamentarian Elhamy Agena’s obsession with women’s vaginas continues – https://t.co/9edUtNA8U3

— Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) September 30, 2016

The MP is not unknown for his controversial marks, earlier in September he called for Egyptian women to endure female mutilation in order to “reduce their sexual desires” as Egyptian men are “sexually weak”.

After a migrant boat sank whilst travelling to Italy, Agina commented saying that they “deserve no sympathy.”