A terrible incident that occurred recently has sparked nationwide outrage. A 24-year-old woman, who worked as an Ayurveda Doctor, from the Sasthamkotta district in Kerala, died by suicide after allegedly being tortured for dowry by her husband.
According to Hindustan Times, a few days before her death, she had sent a series of messages to her family members containing photos of injuries she suffered post facing physical assault from her husband.
The father had reportedly already given “100 sovereigns of gold”, a one-acre land, and a car worth Rs 10 lakh as dowry. However, the groom had insisted on being given Rs 10 lakh cash instead of the car, to which the father said it wasn’t possible.
As the issue is being spoken about widely on social media, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter to express how we need to “reform the prevailing marriage system”. He urged parents to not treat daughters as “commodities”.
As a society, we need to reform the prevailing marriage system. Marriage must not be a pompous show of the family's social status and wealth. Parents have to realise that the barbaric dowry system degrades our daughters as commodities. We must treat them better, as human beings.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
A fair society is that which treats women and men as equals. In light of the recent horrifying incidents of domestic abuse, Kerala has decided to take more stringent measures to create a fair society. The Government and the people will stand together to end this injustice.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
He added that men must realise that women aren’t inferior and that parents must inculcate “progressive attitudes” in their children.
Men must accept the truth that women are not inferior and that they have equal rights. Youth organisations need to initiate awareness campaigns. Parents should make conscious efforts to inculcate such progressive attitudes in their children. We have to nurture a new culture.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
He further urged women to raise their voice against domestic abuse without fearing what society will say.
Instead of fearing what the society would think, women facing domestic abuse need to raise their voice. The Government will stand by you and protect your rights. We will strengthen the already existing support systems and introduce innovative measures to provide assistance.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s statements are the need of the hour. The more authoritative figures raise their voice against such social evils, the faster will they be eradicated.
Cover picture source: left.