A Human Rights Watch report has laid bare the issues aspiring policewomen face in Indonesia.

During the recruitment process they're forced to undergo an invasive "virginity test", according to ABC News.

One woman told the Human Rights Watch the test wasn't done by a medical professional.

"Every time I remember what happened, I cry," she said.

"I feel like I don't want to live anymore."

The test checks to see whether the hymen is still intact by inserting two fingers into the woman's vagina. It's been criticised as not just invasive, but often inaccurate when determining virginity, ABC News reports.

According to Kiwi researcher Dr Sharyn Graham Davies, it's an ongoing issue - even though it's officially no longer allowed in Indonesia.

"Policewomen have been undergoing the procedure since at least 1965," the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) professor wrote in 2015.

Another study was published by Dr Davies earlier this year. One policewoman involved said she thought the testing was well-meant and should continue.

"The test shows that we as women can protect ourselves and therefore we are capable of protecting other people," 27-year-old Anisha said.

According to the Human Rights Watch report, women were also pressured to look attractive. Their bodies are measured by male police and a male selection committee judges their beauty.

ABC News reports the policewomen are often used in front-facing roles, while their male colleagues tackle harder jobs.

"People like pretty things and respond well to them - policewomen are no different," Dr Davies said.

Authorities did not respond to requests for comment by ABC News.

Newshub.