In this free world, where there are proper judicial systems that hold citizens accountable for crimes, there are some crimes that are being overlooked. They might seem trivial, but actually, have a very negative impact on the women of the society. Just as how typical it may seem, women themselves are oblivious to how they can free themselves of these never-ending problems, like dowry, honour killing, caste discrimination, complexion discrimination, age stigma etc. You might not be unaware of these issues, but you are most likely to be unmindful of their solutions. But fear not, as this article is for you.
- DOWRY:
This is an extremely grave issue, especially for the poverty-stricken people. Usually, greedy families who are planning to get their sons married, expect the bride to bring in assets like land, vehicles, jewellery, furniture, crockery, and much more. In upper-class and some well-off middle-class families, this is not that big of a problem as they either ways prefer to give their daughters such luxuries while getting them married, however, some underprivileged people cannot afford these. In fact, there’s a stereotype that religion obligates dowry. However, there is no such obligation implied by religion. Instead, this system was begun when families decided on the rule of disinheritance for daughters, and that they would be given dowry instead.
Now that we know the origins of dowry, it’s very clear that it has nothing to do with religion. Perhaps people just use religion as an alibi for their own benefit when it comes to claiming dowry. To solve this issue, awareness campaigns must be organized to let people know that there is no potential punishment through religion if they don’t give dowry. And even if parents are willing to give something to their daughters, it should not be according to the demands of their in-laws. It should just be according to their budget. Marriage-settling should be treated as a crime.
- HONOUR KILLING:
It’s a shame that in this progressive world, love is seen as a crime in some regions, or, virgin women are misconstrued to be non-virgins and are killed in the name of honour. Innocent naive girls are killed, or a forced to suicide, for merely marrying someone of choice. This problem does not deserve to be neglected. Firstly, the lawyers who prepare marriage papers must personally confront the bride to ask her whether the marriage is planned after consulting her. Besides, court marriages must be made more secure. Anyone who applies for court marriage must be given proper security. No one has the right to kill. If somebody kills his or her daughter, sister, or wife in the name of honour, he should be punished just like a normal criminal would be for killing a citizen. Separate courts should be dedicated for this matter. Every such case should be tried, so that people know that marriage of girls with their consent is not a matter of disrespect.
- COLOURISM AND HEIGHT ISSUES:
Women who have a dark complexion are treated with disdain and contempt. They are expected to surrender before their in-laws just because they do not have that snow-white complexion. On the other hand, white skin is thought to be a privilege that makes women superior to those with dark skin. Due to this fear, before marriage, such women feel insecure and thus try all sorts of healthy or unhealthy remedies to lighten their skin. They might even end up using chemicals or steroids that might react badly on their skin. Besides, a woman is thought to be unattractive if she does not stand up to a ‘standard’ height. The question is, what does this perpetual discrimination earn anybody?
- AGE STIGMA:
What’s the big deal if the bride is a few years older than the groom? It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. But here, if the girl is 28 and the boy 26, it’s made a matter of life and death! Just because the bride is older in age, she is constantly taunted and reminded how much of a favour if is on her that she was accepted as the daughter-in-law of the house.
- KUNDALI:
So, this problem lays in the Hindu community. Kundali is basically the horoscope of a baby, created after birth. Before marriage, the kundali of the bride and the groom to be, is matched. Now if there is a lot in contrast, it is misperceived that the two are not lucky for each other. And, the marriage is cancelled. The question is, can humans really decide the destiny of somebody else? Astrology cannot be done, as somebody’s fate cannot be decided by other humans.
