Every day, in millions of Indian households, a silent struggle unfolds. A woman who says “no” must immediately weigh the personal cost—whether her boundary will be respected or dismissed as an insult. This fundamental question—does a woman’s “no” count?—forms the core of India Today’s inaugural Consent Survey.

Survey Background

Published in July 2026, the survey draws on responses from over 10,000 women across urban and rural India, stratified by age, income, and education. Lead researcher Kaushik Deka describes the project as a step toward social justice, underscoring that open dialogue about sex and consent remains stifled by deep‑rooted cultural taboos.

Key Findings

The data reveal three striking trends: (i) 57% of participants report psychological pressure from partners or relatives after saying “no”; (ii) 42% say they have faced social ostracism or household marginalisation; and (iii) 68% indicate that family members often treat their refusal with suspicion, making it harder to assert personal rights.

Implications and Way Forward

These numbers demonstrate that legal safeguards alone are insufficient; societal attitudes must evolve. Experts recommend mandatory consent education in schools, media guidelines for responsible reporting, and stricter workplace and domestic regulations that protect a woman’s right to refuse without repercussion.

Conclusion

India Today’s survey marks a watershed moment in India’s ongoing conversation about sex and consent. Real progress will require coordinated action among civil society, policymakers, and the press to ensure every woman can say “no” confidently and safely.