Sex Education: The Unspoken Curriculum

- Akashleena Sarkar [B.A. Honours, English, 3rd Year]

Let’s be honest—talking about periods or sex in India is still awkward. Most of us grew up hearing whispers about “those days” and received uncomfortable glances anytime the topic of sex came up. Whether it was the sudden hush when a condom ad played on TV or the way girls were subtly pulled aside to be told about “becoming a woman,” the message was clear: this stuff is not meant to be talked about.

But here’s the thing—this silence has consequences. And they’re not just about embarrassment or discomfort. The lack of proper sex education in Indian schools fuels a dangerous cycle of ignorance, shame, misogyny, and even gender-based violence.

Let’s start with periods. Something as natural and universal as menstruation is still treated like a dirty secret. Girls are taught to hide their pads, not touch the pickle jar, and stay away from temples. Even commercials try to sugarcoat the experience—showing blue liquid instead of blood, as if even acknowledging what periods actually are would be too much. Many girls, especially in rural areas, grow up with no clue about what’s happening to their bodies when they first get their period. Imagine bleeding and not knowing why. That’s terrifying. And it happens because schools either don’t teach it or barely skim over the basics.

Then there’s the bigger, broader silence around sex. In most Indian classrooms, “sex education” is either absent or awkwardly rushed through. Teachers themselves are uncomfortable. And without proper guidance, young people turn to the internet, pornography, or peers—none of which are reliable sources. As a result, myths thrive: “You can’t get pregnant the first time,” “Periods are impure,” “Masturbation causes blindness,” “Only men have sexual desires.” These are not just silly rumors—they shape how people treat each other.

This lack of knowledge not only impacts understanding—it fuels judgment and double standards. Girls are taught to be ashamed of their bodies and desires. If a woman speaks openly about sex, she’s labeled “loose” or “shameless.” Meanwhile, boys are rarely taught about consent, boundaries, or respect. This creates an environment where misogyny grows unchecked. Boys grow up thinking dominance is normal, while girls learn to stay silent to avoid being shamed.

And the most heartbreaking consequence? Gender-based violence. When sex is taboo and women’s bodies are seen as something to be controlled or hidden, violence becomes easier to justify. A man might think he has the right to his wife’s body, even if she says no, because he was never taught otherwise. Street harassment, marital rape, even honor killings—these horrors are all rooted in a system that never taught young people how to understand sex as a natural, consensual, and respectful part of human life.

In fact, one of the biggest lies told to us is that teaching kids about sex will “corrupt” them. But the opposite is true. Studies around the world show that comprehensive sex education reduces risky behavior, early pregnancies, and sexual violence. It empowers young people to make informed choices. It teaches consent. It promotes respect. So why are we still so scared of it?

Part of the problem is that the conversation is controlled by shame and fear. Many parents don’t want their children to know “too much.” But knowledge is not the enemy—ignorance is. If kids are taught that their bodies are something to be ashamed of, they carry that shame into adulthood. Girls don’t speak up about abuse. Boys grow up confused about emotions. Relationships suffer. And society stays stuck in the same cycle.

What we need is a change from the ground up. Schools must start including honest, science-based, and age-appropriate sex education. And not just the biology of reproduction, but everything: periods, contraception, consent, pleasure, respect, relationships, gender identity, and safety. Teachers should be trained to have these conversations without shame. And parents should be included too, so that the dialogue continues at home.

We also need more representation in media that talks openly about these issues. When people see menstruation or sexual health being discussed without embarrassment—whether on screen, in books, or in public campaigns—it normalizes the conversation. It tells young girls: you are not dirty or wrong. And it tells boys: women are not objects or prizes, but equal partners who deserve respect.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about periods or sex. It’s about creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live with dignity, confidence, and safety. Where no one is shamed for their body. Where conversations are honest. And where young people grow up knowing that sex is not something to fear or misuse, but something to understand and respect.

We can’t afford to stay silent anymore.

It’s time to talk.

It’s time to teach.

It’s time to break the taboos for good.