In Nepal as in many parts of Southeast Asia, the tradition of requiring a bride’s family to provide a dowry is illegal but its practice is common. Although the dowry has become a tool of economic exploitation against women and the number of dowry-related murders appears to be on the rise, coercive dowry agreements are currently only a nominally punishable crime in Nepal and most are made with impunity. Nepal has acceded to most major human rights treaties, but many legal provisions and policies are still discriminatory against women. Laws related to dowry are not implemented effectively due to weak governance and the patriarchal mindset. In this context, Nepali women do not have equal rights.
Dowry system is a practice of giving money or property or some kinds of special gifts at the marriage of a daughter by the father to bridegroom or bridegroom’s family. Generally dowry includes cash payment, jewels etc. Dowry is known as ‘Daijo’ in Nepali and ‘Dahej’ in Hindi, Maithali, Vojpuri language. It is a social dangerous evil of Nepal. It is mainly common in Terai Madhesh region. Dowry system has affected our society very badly and seriously. Death of women due to dowry is increasing; many daughters-in-law and wives are physically and mentally tortured due to the lack of dowry. The bridegroom’s side openly demands the dowry before marriage. If the dowry is not much as their demand groom sometimes leaves the marriage. It has been very difficult for the daughters of poor parents to get married.
There are lots of cases of dismiss the marriage if the father of girl did not give a motorbike as asked by the groom’s family. Many of the victims are burnt to death they are doused in kerosene and set light to. In these types of cases the in-laws claim that it was simply an accident. When facts unclean the story changes to suicide and said blame the girl that she can not adjust with new family so that killed herself.
In 21st Century, still "marriage", is loosing its dignity because of this dowry system. It is high point of time to Raise Voice against Dowry so we have to step up immediately. Keeping this in mind WOREC together with different Human Right Organizations, Human Right Activists had Lunched Anti Dowry Campaign.