Adolescent sex prevalent in India: study

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) Despite strict parental supervision and norms discouraging inter-sex friendships among unmarried, sexual relations are formed by about 15 to 30 per cent young men and ten per cent young women in India, according to a recent study.

The study on 'Love and sex among adolescents' conducted by Population Council revealed that contrary to popular perception, intimate interactions between unmarried young women and men are not rare in either rural and urban areas. Most of these are clandestine and outside the knowledge of the family. Opportunities to meet are few, yet proposals are made in many indirect ways like letters and intermediaries and friends.

The study conducted among boys and girs aged 15 to 24 found that at least in one in five young men and one in 20 young women have pre-marital sex. Urban youngsters have been found to be more sexually active than their rural counterparts.

Breaking the myth that sex takes place largely within marriage in conservative India society, the study argued the reproductive health programmes need to include unmarried young people and recognise their need for information and services. Counselling and contraceptives must be offered to them in non-judgemental and confidential manner, it said.

With opportunities clearly existing for pre-marital partnerships to progress from courtship to physical intimacy, it is critical that policies and programmes for youth work towards equipping them with safe choices. Sex education must be made universal and start from an early age, addressing the gender double standards and power imbalances visible in the young. It must ensure that the intimacy is wanted, informed and safe, the study advocates.

In another study on 'sexual harassment at workplace, experiences of women in the health sector', the Population Council has found that sexual harassment in a health facility is seen as normal and harmless. It is considered a normal part of a working woman's life and rarely an issue requiring complaint or action.

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