Sex Education and the Concept of Consent in India

India is undoubtedly a traditional and conservative country where any discussion on the subject of sex is controversial. Parents mostly shy away from discussing the issue of sex with their children. Therefore they gather factually incorrect and confusing information about the issue.

WHAT IS SEX-ED? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Sex Ed or Sex Education is a programme or course designed to help young individuals understand sex, sexual health, sexuality, sexual rights etc. India is the second-largest country in the world as far as population is concerned, which is estimated to be 135.26 crores(2018). More importantly, India is a country with a formidable young population. India was expected to have a 34.33% share of youth in the total population by the end of 2020. Thus the need for sexual education is obvious. During adolescence, there are several physical and mental changes that a person goes through and the lack of knowledge regarding this often leads to a sense of helplessness or self-consciousness. These changes often make them vulnerable to insecurities and may as well lower self-esteem. Individuals feel sexually attracted to other individuals and do not truly understand what to make of this feeling. They get into relationships but do not fathom the gravity of it. Individuals practice unprotected sex due to lack of knowledge regarding it and may end up contracting STDs(Sexually Transmitted Diseases). This practice of unprotected sex takes place again due to lack of knowledge of the alternatives available and an unclear grasp of what one is feeling.

SEX AND THE CONCEPT OF CONSENT

Due to historical disparities in society in regards to how women were treated unequal, patriarchy has existed all over the world. With a strong rise in feminist movements in the 1840s, the world has become a better place. Let us stress on 'better'. The world is not perfect for any of the genders but if there is still a gender which faces trouble more than the others, has to be the female gender. Men often feel entitled to things due to their upbringing or the patriarchy that is ingrained in society. The concept of consent is not taught in households. NCRB reported a staggering 88 rapes a day in India. The reason for which is simple but not often realized. This was accurately explored in the Netflix drama- Delhi Crime. Even though pornography is illegal in the country, India has the third-largest porn-watching population, with 30 per cent of them being women, as per a report published in a news website called, Firstpost in Feb 2020. However, the rate of illiteracy is high, with over 300 million people reportedly illiterate and perhaps several more unreported. The pornography industry is notoriously anti-women. It shows that the man always has consented and if not, then the women will eventually give consent if the man keeps trying. This makes the word 'no' powerless. Also, young people start desiring it in their lives. So when a woman they try to physically engage with does not comply, they feel like they are not getting what they are entitled to. This hurts their egos or their beliefs and is unacceptable to them. Sometimes the young individuals go through the trauma of inadequacy as well.

To change this, one must first understand that pornography is not reality. It is but a fictional tale made to fulfil our fantasies. On top, the idea of consent has to be stressed upon, and the best way to do that is via Sex Education. In such programmes, the young minds will be taught how to cope with whatever they are feeling or are confused about.

CONCLUSION

To end, let us understand that the world was always a mystery. Until someone taught you otherwise. Education, in every form, is important to perhaps make sense of an otherwise clueless situation. A major biological instinct that man has is to reproduce, to further the species. However, this should not be at the cost of someone else or of your own. For a more understanding and united society, Sex Education is essential.