DOWRY is one of the main obstacles affecting the cause of gender equality and women`s empowerment in Pakistan because it reinforces the notion that women are commodities. Dowry encourages and promotes a transactional approach that destroys the very foundation ofstrongrelationships.
To counter this societal menace, it is incumbent upon us to start teaching our youth about gender equality, and about being respectful towards relationships.
The government must strengthen and enforce the implementation of existing anti-dowry legislation, imposing harsh penalties on those involved in this shameful act.
Additionally, specialised task teams and helplines can assist victims of dowryrelated abuse by providing a secure space for them to report incidents and seek justice. Media organisations should play their important role in shaping public opinion. Social activists can help shift societal norms and develop a collective movement against this issue by promoting anti-dowry initiatives, highlighting success stories ofresistance, and facilitating open dialogue.
As a society, we should all support women`s rights and their wellbeing by creating an atmosphere in which theyare treated with due respect and their liberty is ensured. We can all work together to eradicate the dowry system from Pakistani society once and for all.
