Indian women 'want virgin partners'

The new findings shatter several myths

Indian women want their men to be virgins before marriage, according to a survey carried out by a national magazine.

Good sex was almost unanimously considered most important for a good relationship

Outlook survey

More than 2,000 women in 10 cities questioned by the weekly magazine Outlook, shattered some of the myths associated with Indian women which project them as a quiet suffering lot.

There is also a warning to those "oppressive bullies" who hit their wives.

Of those questioned, 34% say they will hit back and 31% say they will walk out on their husbands.

More than 50% said they would not want their husband to be sexually experienced, while 37% were okay with "moderately sexually experienced".

Honesty prized

"Good sex was almost unanimously considered most important for a good relationship," the magazine said.

Most women said they hated dishonest, disloyal men but loved those who understood them.

The survey covered only urban women

When asked do they really need men, 78% of them said yes.

"It wasn't money, property or career prospects or even looks and a good body that mattered the most," the magazine said.

"What mattered most was how sensitive a man was to a woman's needs. He had to listen to her, treat her as an equal and be honest to be in her good books."

Most illiterate women placed more emphasis on equality with men, compared to better-educated women.

The days of women's repressed sexuality seem to be going, as 43% of those questioned were prepared to take the initiative over sex.

And 58% said they were bold enough to tell their husbands all about their former boyfriends.

Significant trend

Good looks, spirituality and money came last in the wish list of these women.

Husbands who slouch on the sofa and order their wives to run around are clearly out of favour, as 80% want their men to help them in domestic chores.

Observers say that a survey based on 2,000 interviews may not reflect the majority view, but it does indicate that urban Indian women are refusing to suffer in silence any more.

In traditionally male-dominated rural areas, where the vast majority of women live, they continue to suffer discrimination, abuse and even violence.