The Indian Workers Association (IWA) Southall has always been at the forefront of fighting against racial discrimination and injustice. One of the most appalling and inhumane practices we campaigned against was the ‘virginity testing’ of Asian women at UK airports and British High Commissions in South Asia. This degrading procedure was a blatant violation of human rights and a reflection of the racist immigration policies enforced by the British Government at the time.
The Dehumanising Practice of Virginity Testing
Under the Immigration Act 1971, Asian men seeking to settle in the UK through marriage faced stricter immigration controls. However, Asian women who wished to join their fiancés were initially exempt from such restrictions. Women from the Indian subcontinent were not considered economically valuable by the British Government and were subjected to humiliating tests to control their entry into the country.
On January 24, 1979, the inhumane practice of ‘virginity testing’ was exposed after a 35-year-old Indian woman was forced to undergo a medical examination at Heathrow Airport to verify her virginity before being allowed entry to marry her fiancé, a British subject of Indian origin. These invasive and degrading gynecological examinations were routinely conducted by immigration officers at UK airports and British High Commissions in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to determine whether women had previously given birth. A finding contrary to the authorities’ expectations was used as a reason to deny entry.
IWA Southall’s Fight for Justice
The IWA Southall immediately launched a national campaign against this racist practice. We mobilised communities, raised awareness, and demanded action from both the British and Indian governments. The Labour Government initially denied the existence of virginity tests, but after public outcry and pressure from activists, former Labour Party Immigration Minister Alex Lyons confirmed that such practices were commonplace and had been occurring as early as 1975.
Recognising the severity of the issue, the IWA took the matter directly to the Indian Government, led by Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The Indian Government, outraged at the practice, formally protested to British Prime Minister Jim Callaghan’s government and even took the case to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
Victory Through Resistance
Due to relentless activism from IWA Southall and allied organisations, the British Government was forced to acknowledge that since October 1975, at least 81 cases of virginity testing had been recorded. This revelation was only the tip of the iceberg, as hundreds of women are believed to have been subjected to this discriminatory practice.
Under immense pressure, the British Government finally announced the termination of virginity testing. This victory was a testament to the power of grassroots activism and community solidarity.
Continuing the Legacy
IWA Southall remains committed to fighting racial injustice, immigration discrimination, and gender-based oppression. The fight against virginity testing was not just about one issue—it was about protecting the dignity and rights of Asian women, challenging systemic racism, and ensuring fair treatment for all immigrants.
As we reflect on this dark chapter in history, we reaffirm our commitment to standing against all forms of discrimination. The victory against virginity testing reminds us that collective action and persistent resistance can bring about real change.
The struggle continues, but so does our determination. We will not rest until justice, equality, and dignity are upheld for all.