Dowry Related Death and Violence

In many countries, women fall victim to traditional practices that violate their human rights. The persistence of the problem has much to do with the fact that most of these physically and psychologically harmful customs are deeply rooted in the tradition and culture of society.

Dowry-related violence and early marriage

In some countries, weddings are preceded by the payment of an agreed-upon dowry by the bride's family. Failure to pay the dowry can lead to violence.

Husbands often engineer an “accident” (frequently the bursting of a kitchen stove) when they feel the obligatory marriage dowry (gifts from in-laws) is not enough. In India, it is estimated that more than 5,000 women are killed each year because their in-laws consider their dowries inadequate. A tiny percentage of their murderers are brought to justice. In India, more than 5,000 women are killed each year because their in-laws consider their dowries inadequate. UNICEF

In Bangladesh, a bride whose dowry was deemed too small was disfigured after her husband threw acid on her face. In India, an average of five women a day are burned in dowry-related disputes -- and many more cases are never reported.

Early marriage, especially without the consent of the girl, is another form of human rights violation. Early marriage followed by multiple pregnancies can affect the health of women for life.

The report of the Special Reporter has documented the destructive effects of marriage of female children under 18 and has urged Governments to adopt relevant legislation.

Punjab throws up new statistics to reaffirm its preference for boys.
[Read Article]

Son preference also directly relates to the "high maintenance" of female children as apposed to male. Having a girl to some families means a dowry and therefore an "expensive affair". This can be a great motivator to abort female fetuses. We can see how the entire dowry ritual is so tightly woven in the very fabric of some cultures. The dowry system directly perpetuates gender specific violence. Guru Nanak abolished the dowry system and elevated status of women in society to stress equality of all genders 500 years ago. Are we willing to follow suit? -- G. Kaur MD

What does the Guru say about dowry and what makes an appropriate gift?

Say NO to dowry!

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Anti-Violence . Dowry and related violence

Traditional Practices

Dowry-related violence and early marriage