Purity of virginity is a myth that adds no value to marriage - Ken Ouko

The purity of virginity is a myth that adds no value to marriage according to University of Nairobi sociologist, Ken Ouko.

He explains that, “Back in the day, women were considered as property. So every man wanted a brand new property. That’s why a very high premium was placed on virginity. It was also a safety measure against immorality,” he says, adding that even the Bible has no single passage instructing women to maintain their virginity until their wedding night.

“Infact, the Bible has so many cases of premarital sex. Breaking virginity is used by society as a rite of passage. It was simply used to enhance monogamy among women.”

Ouko adds that in real life, a woman getting married should have some sexual experience. “It is not a must, and it doesn’t cut across the board, but there is nothing wrong with a woman who is over 18 having a little fun before getting married so that they know how things work.

Of course this will also depend on her religious beliefs.” Ouko further argues that the continuation of the ‘virginity myth’ “has caused a lot of sexual violence in the world, some people attack virgins, believing they will be cured of their ailments.

The virginity myth also limits sexual behaviors of females. Some grow up believing that sex is so bad and evil and that belief might affect their sex life in future. For girls, the virginity myth contributes to the culture of sexual shame and guilt,” says the sociologist.

A woman’s virginity is no longer her prized possession as modern couples have no qualms having sex even if the relationship will not end in marriage.