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Despite awareness that demonises dowry and almost 60 years of now having an anti-dowry law, this tradition is still followed in very creative ways.
This is written to those who feel that the ‘tradition’ of dowry is OK, or even accept or expect ‘gifts’ from a bride’s family for being the groom’s side.
Please know that although I am not judging you, it says a lot about your belief system if you are okay with the practice of dowry (in its present form), and are willing to follow it, or support those who indulge in this practice.
Firstly, it is pretty clear that following this tradition is more important for you even when it has been declared a criminal offence under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, and if it’s reported and/or proven that someone was indulging in dowry, they will be arrested.
Secondly, you are willing to put another family under financial, psychological, and physiological pressure just so that this tradition is followed.
Thirdly, you are willing to follow a practice that has resulted in a number of women being killed, raped, harassed, divorced or even die of suicide. You are also fine with this arrangement which results in families being burdened with massive loans which they are not able to repay.
And finally, if you still agree with the practice of dowry, you are willing to put someone under pressure to give you money that is not yours with absolutely no intention of returning it.
Forget about returning the money with interest, as you would do if it were a loan, you are not even considering giving back the principal amount.
Maybe I can go so far as to call dowry a euphemism for extortion or blackmail. You can let me know if I am wrong or right about this.
A version of this was published here.
Image source: shutterstock
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
It is shameful that in today's world too, women are abused and even killed for giving birth to a girl, and the infant's life is also of no value.
Trigger Warning: This deals with domestic violence, suicide, and violence against women, and may be triggering to survivors.
I am so glad that the esteemed courts are now giving the much-required verdicts regarding certain ideologies that were not at all entertained earlier. I mean we all have studied this much biology at our school level and it is our duty (our generation) to educate our elders about it.
Why someone have to lose a life to bring such awareness to the society. Delhi High Court gave this judgement concerning a case that filed by the deceased daughter’s parents against her in-laws. She committed suicide as she was harassed and tortured for dowry and giving birth to two daughters.
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