Dowry System

Dowry System

            When we live in societies, we are mutually benefices we have made accomplishments with civilization an development. But due to our superstition, ignorance and certain tradition and customs, we have also by-produced several social evils. ‘Dowry system is one of the serious evil practices of our society. 

            Hindu social structure is predominantly patriarchal. After marriage, the brides have to go to live in their husbands home. Originally, women were greatly honored and worshipped in the family and society. Parents had profound love for the daughters and offered her money, furniture, clothes, etc. which the detached daughter could use for her good. But in the course of time, Nepalese society began to be unduly dominated  by males. Now there are not similar standards for both male female in our society. Females are suppressed and exploited in many ways. The practice of giving wealth as a sacred token of love and farewell to daughters when given away in marriage taking an evil form. Dowry now has become a compulsion, not choice and a hearty gift. It has been taken by many as primary to bride.

            Dowry system is developing as a serious problem in the so-called higher castes and aristocratic families. Often it has disastrous effects. A good girl without a good dowry is not duly honored. A girl from poor parents has to curse her fate. She feels insecure and humiliated. Parents are compelled to collect huge dowry beyond their economic capacity and at the risk of   possible bankruptcy. In the Terai situations are mach worse. If is a prestige to make an open bargaining for dowry (dahej). Families are found competing for dowries. Some greedy grooms run away right from the mandap if it seems that they are not getting the expected dowry. Many women fail to lead a happy conjugal life due to dowry system.

            Remarkable number of suicides and murders are accounted for dowry. Many married women are subject to mental and physical torture for their poor dowry. .They are assaulted, imprisoned,. hanged or burnt alive in kerosene, Even pregnant women are not protected. Many commit suicide when the torture s intolerable. Those neglected by their own family are vulnerable to more suppressions and exploitations in the society. Many parents are found arranging their daughters’ marriage early before getting. Them educated o that a small dowry will do.

            Dowry system is a shameful practice of our society. In spite of many commitments for its abolition,-the practice remains reality. Strong legislation and massive awareness campaign can be two’ vital measures in this regard. The offenders must be tried and punished. The victims should have easy access to free legal services. Parents should be motivated t invest for the career of their daughters. They should understand that even huge dowry cannot support for the happy life of their daughters if they are’ no educated, skilled and self-dependent. The most iportar1t thing is to work towards women empowerment. As long as there is gender discrimination, the evil practice of dowry system will prevail in the society. So we should work towards creating gender equality. Women should reach the decision making level and executive mechanism. Everyone, more importantly the youths, must be committed to uproot this evil practice.