India Today Group has launched a special Consent Culture Survey issue in partnership with Durex The Birds and Bees Talk, presenting a detailed study on how Indian women understand and experience consent in their daily lives.

The special issue features findings from the India Today Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Consent Culture Report: Awareness, Equity, Inclusion and Protection, based on a nationwide women only survey conducted by research agency CVoter. The report examines consent across various aspects of life, including homes, relationships, workplaces, public spaces and digital platforms.

While awareness about consent has grown among Indian women, many continue to face emotional, social and institutional barriers in exercising their right to make independent choices. The report highlights the gap between understanding the concept of consent and being able to practise it freely in everyday situations.

According to a India Today press release,the survey explores several issues, including the role of family expectations, workplace hierarchy, public behaviour and digital interactions in shaping women’s ability to give or refuse consent. It also looks at challenges such as whether “no” is accepted without explanation, the impact of social pressure, consent within marriage and intimate relationships, and concerns around online harassment, privacy and the sharing of personal information.

The report also underlines the importance of consent education from an early age. It notes strong support for age-appropriate learning on personal boundaries, respect, safety and the right to refuse. According to the organisers, this aligns with the objectives of Durex The Birds and Bees Talk, Reckitt’s initiative that promotes awareness about consent, healthy relationships, protection, inclusion and life skills among adolescents.

Speaking on the launch, Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India Today Group, said consent is a fundamental expression of individual dignity, but despite growing public discussion on rights and equality, many women continue to face challenges in exercising it in their everyday lives. He said the report aims to provide reliable, data-backed insights that can help encourage informed discussions and contribute to building a culture based on dignity, respect and autonomy.

Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, South Asia, Reckitt, said conversations around consent in India have often been limited by silence, misinformation and social conditioning. He said the report brings women’s real experiences to the forefront and is intended to promote open conversations, challenge misconceptions and encourage informed and responsible attitudes towards consent.

The special issue combines survey findings with editorial analysis and expert opinions to present a broader picture of how consent is understood, negotiated and respected in contemporary India. It aims to contribute to the national conversation on women’s safety, equality and individual rights through research-backed insights.