Dowry prevails as an evil in our society

Dowry is a common tradition that prevails like an evil in South Asian countries. It is broadly defined as the transfer of wealth by the bride’s parents at the time of marriage, to the groom or his family. A dowry does not only include cash payments. Dowry is sometimes 10 – 15 dresses for the bride, clothes for the in-laws and groom, crockery, electronics, furniture, pillows, bed covers etc. Sometimes dowry also include bungalow, plot car and motorbike.

Despite all the negative consequences caused by dowry system, the custom has been extended, and recently, dowry amounts seem to be increasing. In our religion, there is no compulsion to give dowry. The dowry system is a great evil that still exists in Pakistan as well. It is a demonstration of victimization unmarried young ladies, whose qualities are characterized dependent on the costs of their particular shares. It is something very problematic for lower white collar class. This is the motivation behind why individuals get discouraged and feel reviled at the introduction of a girl.

The dowry system should be banned in Pakistan, much the same as the serving of more than one dish at a wedding function was restricted and individuals should decline to wed when dowry is requested or given. Restricting this custom prompts more joyful life since it is big source of worry for the parents of young ladies. Two years back in 2018, a trend had gone viral where Pakistani celebrities wrote: “Jahez Khori Band Karo” (stop asking for dowry) on their hands. But it was a matter of time that it too vanished into thin air. It is note-worthy that historically, it is not our tradition. It goes back to the Hindu tradition where presents were given by parents, relatives, and friends to the bride. According to one figure, 95% of all marriages in Pakistan entail dowry from the bride’s family to the groom’s family. It is a silent and non-violent form of violence against women that is why it does not come under the notice of anyone.

The dowry system is so seriously deeply engraved in Pakistani society that occasionally one accepts that there is no chance to get out of it in the near future. Indeed, even contemporary, knowledgeable families start setting aside riches for their little girl’s settlement when she is conceived so what can we expect from the awkward masses, whose lone type of learning is custom? At the point when parents are unable to prepare dowry for their daughter due to financial crises, the girl becomes subjected to torture by in-laws. This is the reason parents don’t wish to have little girls is a direct result of the dowry they should repay at her marriage, and the strain they experience because of endless burdens from her parents in law.

Dowry Linking to Violence:

Many daughters of our country get divorced just because of this cult. Many get beaten because they didn’t bring a dowry with them and many are even killed. Poor families are more vulnerable to this menace. Dowry can be a source of viciousness. This frequently begins with the in-laws, seeing as though dowry isn’t sent; they may begin by treating the girl in a wrong manner. The girls who don’t bring dowry according to the wish of their in-laws, has to bear verbal and psychological mistreatment. The girls become liable to torment and in some cases get killed.

It surely has consequences for the mental health of the girl.  But it also seems that change is being brought on slowly, following the country’s development and increasing educational level of the younger generation. Awareness of dowry issues needs to be raised and steps need to be taken to speed up this process of change by empowering women and ensuring equality in Pakistan. Government should make laws to ban dowry culture.

 

by:  Abeer Arshad

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