Written by: Apoorv Singhal and Pravartika Gandhi
Since time immemorial, the dowry system has been one of the major contributing factors towards social ills that affect women and goods in India. Dowry is basically a ‘gift’ of some kind demanded by the groom’s family during marriage. This system not only discriminates upon women, but places a severe financial burden on the bride’s family. This practice is also deeply rooted into the culture. Legally speaking, demanding dowry is prohibited in India. Unfortunately, however, this system is still followed in most rural and a few urban settlements.
For families with low income, this ill poses a huge problem. Often, instead of being voluntary from the girl’s parents, it pushes them to the limit where they are bound to heavy debts in order to meet the demands of the groom’s family. Demand for more offerings, even after marriage, have become a source of conflict between the couple’s families. When such an ultimatum is not met, the wives are tortured, harassed and in some cases burnt alive or strained to the height that they commit suicide.
Practices like this severely discriminate and leave a lasting emotional impact on women, probable of leading to health issues. This mistreatment makes them feel that this is the way the society operates and that there is nothing they can do, but induce further generations to be victims to the same. Laws have been formulated including the Dowry Prohibition Act declaring this system illegal. But more important is the inclusion, effective implementation of these and the change in the mindset of the people. India will not be called free from the system of dowry unless each and every parent knows that they must not demand dowry for their son, or provide dowry for their daughter.
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