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Blog /The Fight for Consent with Comprehensive Sex Education

Why is comprehensive sex-ed the need of the hour?

Fri Jan 31 2025|iDare Team


Let’s get real: saying the word sex itself in India can feel like dropping a bomb. There’s stigma, there’s misinformation, and more often than not, it’s a conversation people would rather avoid. But recently, the Supreme Court of India made a bold move by calling for comprehensive sex education to be introduced across the country. Why? Because the state of sexual health and awareness in India isn’t just lagging - it’s in CRISIS. (Oh, the irony of being the most populous country in the world!) 

From increasing rape cases to disturbing legal gaps, like the ongoing debate over criminalising marital rape, it’s clear that something needs to change. And that starts with education. 

Why is comprehensive sex-ed the need of the hour? 

Come on, the act of sex has gone far beyond just biology. It’s about relationships, consent, emotional well-being, and respect - things that aren’t typically taught in India’s schools.  
 
The Supreme Court recognized this when they called for comprehensive sex education, emphasizing its role in curbing the spread of sexual violence and dismantling toxic norms that have persisted for generations. 

The truth is that traditional sex ed barely scratches the surface. While students might learn about reproduction and menstruation, what’s glaringly absent is the talk about consent, gender identity, sexual orientation, and how to navigate relationships in a healthy way. In a country grappling with high rates of sexual violence, child marriages, and skewed gender dynamics, we can’t afford to keep treating sex like a taboo subject. The court’s ruling is  LONG, LONG overdue. 

Let’s address the elephant in the room: marital rape 

Now, let’s talk about the darker side of the conversation. For all its progress, India remains one of the few countries in the world where marital rape is still legal. That’s right - according to Indian law, as long as a woman is over 18, her husband can have non-consensual sex with her, and it won’t be considered rape.  

Activists and legal experts have been fighting for years to change this, arguing that consent doesn’t end with a wedding ring. However, the resistance has been fierce, with many pointing to “traditional values” to justify this exception.  

But tradition can’t be a reason to deny basic human rights. The ongoing battle in the courts about criminalising marital rape reflects the deep-rooted patriarchal values that still define much of Indian society. When women don’t even have autonomy over their own bodies within marriage, how can we claim to have progressed? The Supreme Court has recognized the importance of consent in relationships - something comprehensive sex education can address from the start. 

Understanding sexuality in India 

The statistics are alarming. India has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with conviction rates for rape dismally low. It’s not even just about the numbers; it’s about a culture where open conversations about sexuality are stifled, where gender stereotypes are reinforced, and where sexual health is misunderstood and ignored. 

India is a country that, on one hand, holds women up as goddesses and, on the other, views them as objects of control and submission. Whether it’s catcalling on the streets or the failure to criminalize marital rape, these issues stem from the same place - a lack of understanding about consent, equality, and respect. And it’s not just about women. Men, too, grow up with distorted views of masculinity, where being strong means being dominant and being vulnerable means weakness. 

That’s why comprehensive sex education is so crucial. It’s not enough to teach kids where babies come from. It’s about unlearning harmful narratives about power, gender, and control that have been passed down for generations. It’s about teaching respect, understanding boundaries, and recognising that everyone deserves autonomy over their own body. 

What’s next? 

We can’t keep brushing these issues under the rug. India’s Supreme Court has taken a vital step in the right direction, but it’s just that - a step. The road ahead involves not just introducing comprehensive sex education but also overhauling laws like the marital rape exception, which continue to hold women back. We need to foster an environment where conversations about sex, relationships, and consent aren’t met with shame or silence but with open dialogue and understanding. 

And most importantly, we need to stop treating sexual health as a “Western concept.” It’s about time we recognize that these issues aren’t bound by geography or tradition and that they affect us all, regardless of culture. When we educate the next generation about these topics, we’re going to be teaching them about respect, autonomy, and human dignity. 

At iDare, we believe in empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate these challenging conversations. Whether it’s through therapy, legal support, or community outreach, we’re here to ensure that everyone - no matter their background - has the tools they need to make informed, respectful decisions about their bodies and their relationships. 

If you’re struggling with issues related to sexual health or navigating difficult conversations about consent, head over to iDare’s Support or Legal verticals for inclusive, compassionate help. 

If you or somebody you know wants to learn and understand this more and needs to get in touch with a therapist, consider reaching our Support and Engage verticals for affordable and inclusive help!   

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