By Syeda Fatima Shahid
Living in a contemporary society, 53% of Pakistanis support the concept of dowry. They openly demand and receive it in the name of tradition or culture. This practice has become so common that people often neglect the negative aspect it holds and nothing seems unfair or wrong to them. Did you ever think of how a father spends his whole life savings in daughter’s wedding? How many loans he would’ve taken to fulfill the demands of dowry? How much burden women feel for being women at that point? How they are constantly reminded of their worth in terms of dowry?
In today’s world, where progress and equality are valued, it’s surprising that the dowry practice still thrives. Even with modern mindsets, 53% of Pakistanis support dowry, seeing it as part of tradition or culture. But the reality is far from harmless. Dowry causes serious harm to women and their families, leading to financial ruin and emotional pain. It’s more than just a tradition — it’s a curse that deeply impacts lives. Let’s look at how old practice creates injustice and suffering, highlighting the urgent need for eradication
Dowry and Gender Inequality: A Deep-Rooted Curse
An individual is valuable for his or her qualities. We must know that not only men but women are also capable of achieving a successful future. But sadly, instead of finding a compatible and understanding woman to marry, they value the worth of her dowry. This practice not only undermines the self esteem of women but also discriminates them for their gender. Hence, this concept restrains the society from preventing such humiliating traditions and promoting gender inequality.
Financial Hardships and Emotional Strain
For many families, the dowry system brings with it immense financial pressure. Parents begin saving years before a daughter’s wedding, fearing the social stigma attached to not providing enough dowry. No matter how much they prepare, families can’t escape the huge demands from the groom’s side, often ending up buried in debt and loans. The fear of society and cultural norms put a tremendous amount of pressure on bride’s family so, they are forced to somehow manage the situation. The dowry system traps families in a cycle of financial misery and emotional distress, ultimately weakening the very foundations of their well-being. People don’t realize that it makes the woman and her family feel worthless and weak.
The Burden of Being a Daughter
One of the tragic parts of the dowry system is how it makes having a daughter seem like a burden. Society often views girls as financial liabilities because of dowry expectations. Daughter is a blessing. Instead of celebrating the birth of a girl, parents worry about how they will afford her dowry in the future. This system unfairly turns daughters into burdens rather than recognizing their full potential. We need to change this mediocre mindset to build a society that values daughters as much as sons.
A Pathway to Domestic Abuse
Unmet demands of dowry can lead to serious consequences like mental abuse or domestic violence. Many women suffer from domestic violence, emotional pain, and physical and financial abuse in their marriages as a result. This is because some people can go beyond the limits to satisfy their greed. Such toxic and inhumane practice must not persist in our society.
Taking Away Women’s Rights
Dowry takes away women’s rights. Families that save for dowries often neglect their basic rights to education and personal growth, focusing instead on gathering money for marriage. As a result, women may have to give up their education, careers, and independence. Instead of supporting their daughters and helping them become self-sufficient, families spend money on dowry, which limits women’s chances to build a better future and reinforces inequality and dependence.
Dowry is a harmful practice that exists in our country and it must be banned. We are well aware of the consequences it has on women’s lives so why should we let such practice continue?
It’s time to act responsibly and raise your voice against this issue. We must not normalize dowries, as women are worth more than this. Relationships should be based on love and respect, not money.