In India, the dowry system has been a part of the culture for centuries. Despite its illegal status under the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, it still persists throughout much of the country. A dowry is the transfer of property or money from the bride’s family to the groom’s family just before or at the time of marriage. Dowry is meant to be a form of financial security for the woman, but in its current form, it has become an extortion tool used by the groom and his family against the bride’s family. Demands for expensive gifts such as cars, televisions, and larger dowries have made it difficult for many families, especially lower-income families, to pay for their daughter’s marriage. This system is resulting in a whole host of social evils, including domestic violence, abandonment, suicides, and extreme poverty.
To address this problem and give women equal rights and protection within marriage, more progress needs to be made to end the dowry system in India. Laws should be enforced to punish offenders and adhere to the Dowry Prohibition Act. Also, Indian society needs to become more cognizant of the damage dowry presents to its citizens and become more assertive in upholding woman’s rights. It is also essential to create a strong support system for women financially affected by dowry. This might be done by providing access to credit, increasing women’s employment opportunities to make them self-sufficient, and awarding financial aid to brides when needed. Only once these initiatives are put in place can India ensure that its citizens are equal and free from the cruel traditions of dowry.
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