Webinar: Attitudes Towards Virginity and Black Women's Sexuality

As part of the #MyClitCounts campaign, Young Feminist Europe launched its first webinar series where young feminist researchers and experts will present and host discussions on women*s sexual pleasure, gynecological health and reproductive rights.

Episode 3 of the #MyClitCounts series will be led by Dolly Ogunrinde, who will give an overview of black women’s sexuality and attitudes towards virginity in the black community.

"Popping the cherry? Losing the V-card? And deflowering? Are just three of very many terms that used to describe the notion of ‘losing’ virginity. In our society, the concept of ‘losing virginity’ is so normalised that it exists as a social norm that is rarely questioned. However, the whole notion of virginity losing is heavily embedded in gendered norms which have damaging consequences for the way’s girls think about and have the ability to explore their sexuality."

This webinar will challenge the notion of virginity in its normative form and explore the implications of virginity as, in fact, a social construct. Based on primary research carried out with young black British women, this webinar will also explore issues of sexuality and gender, and the compounding impact the notion of virginity can have on young black women’s sexuality.

PRACTICAL INFO & POINTS TO NOTE

• WHEN: Monday 24 Feb
• TIME: 7PM (Brussels Time)
• REGISTRATION: Once registered a link will be sent to you
• NOTE: All self-identifying women are welcome to join

Dolly Ogunrinde is currently a master’s student at the School of Oriental and African Studies London where she is obtaining a Postgraduate degree in Developmental Studies. She has a keen interest in gender inequality and issues of social and economic justice in the developing world.

Alongside her degree, she works at the Foundation for Women’s Health and Development (FORWARD) where she works with communities to end the practice of FGM. She previously earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and Politics from the University of East Anglia, where she was also elected as Women’s officer for the university’s union.

During her undergraduate study, she carried out research on the topic of black women’s sexuality and attitudes towards virginity in the black community. She has extensive experience working with disadvantaged young people in both the UK and sub-Saharan Africa. She has worked as a youth practitioner equipping young people with the skills and attributes needed to achieve their future goals.

Furthermore, in both Zambia and Lesotho she has worked on sexual and reproductive health programmes delivering peer education sessions to women and girls in rural communities.