The
most heinous system prevalent in our country is the dowry system. We often read
in newspapers that wives especially newly married girls are tortured by their
husbands in all possible ways. It is, therefore, regarded as a social evil and
has become pressing problem to be solved. To eradicate this social evil, we must
find the loophole and one should remain satisfied with mere laws and by-laws or
enactment of some rules. Total change in the outlook of the society is the
crying need at this moment. As it is a social evil, we are to tackle it
socially. Society must be free from the idea of disparity and false feudal
values, which do not recognise woman as the equal partner of man. Social and
public boycotts are two of the main weapons that may be used. Additionally,
strong legal measures should be taken against the erring parents who are indulging
in this practice. Young men and women must come forward to put an end to this
disgraceful system. Very often we move from one seminar to another, but there
is no co-ordination between our words and our actions. We are not evaluating
our movements, nor monitoring actions. While on one hand the dowry-related
crimes continue to increase, on the other hand the programmes aimed at stopping
dowry also continue to flourish. Of course, we should not belittle the struggle
that has been continuing against dowry. As the problem of dowry springs from a
male-dominated, poor and backward society, the movement against this issue must
include socio-economic, cultural, political forces and women‘s organisations.
The political parties and government must match word with action. General
inequality is a major cause of dowry. Improving women‘s position in society
would be an effective measure against dowry. The over-extravagant expenses for
weddings and marriage-related functions must be curtailed as
the
bridegrooms often take dowry so as to meet these costs. The girl‘s guardians
must also be conscious about the issue. A girl should be brought up to be
self-dependent. There is a tendency for the girl and the girl‘s family to
simply tolerate the oppression because of risk the marriage‘s breaking up. The
families must resort to legal action rather than encourage the girl to bear the
oppression due to social shame and honour. Educated girls are also asked for
dowry, but the poor illiterate girls have no alternative if
abandoned
by their husbands for dowry. Unfortunately in the rural areas, the daughters of
poor farmers often study and work in order to earn enough money to pay dowry.
The activists of all spheres against dowry must keep these factors in mind to
eradicate dowry effectively.