The demands of the in-laws gradually rise to a level that sends the girl’s parents to the verge of bankruptcy
KARACHI: Hardly a day passes when one doesn’t read about a young woman taking her life because of constant harassment by her in-laws, or of a newly married young girl brought to death by her greedy husband with the connivance of his parents. The refusal to give dowry and calling off a marriage by women is allowed in many religions. This should certainly be looked upon as an example to be emulated by all girls.
Giving dowry has been an acceptable part of our culture. The girl’s parents try to fulfil the demands of her in-laws so that their daughter will be at peace in her new home. However, the demands of the in-laws gradually rise to a level that sends the girl’s parents to the verge of bankruptcy. In the meantime, the girl is physically and mentally tortured.
There is a need for strict legislation that makes the demanding and giving of dowry a crime. Young men should also take a lead and must start refusing dowry while girls should refuse to give in to such demands. A social revolution is needed to completely eradicate this evil from our society. A small leap of faith by some young men and women can certainly influence more people to act courageously on the subject of dowry demands.
Farah Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2016.
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