April 15, Kathmandu – Deputy Speaker Ruvikumari Thakur has stated that the dowry system directly undermines the respect, equality, and rights of women. On Thursday, she took to Facebook to emphasize that not only giving or receiving dowry but also attending or hosting feasts based on marriages arranged through dowry transactions is legally punishable.
“It is not just about giving or receiving dowry; accepting marriages arranged on the basis of dowry transactions, participating in such events, or partaking in wedding feasts is both socially unacceptable and legally punishable,” Deputy Speaker Thakur wrote. “This practice inflicts a direct blow on women’s respect, equality, and rights.”
She stressed that those who wish to bring societal change, promote national development, and stand against social evils must begin that transformation within themselves. “If we genuinely talk about social change, envision national development, and want to oppose social evils, then the starting point must be ourselves,” the Deputy Speaker added. “Even small steps taken at an individual level can lead to significant social transformation.”
Deputy Speaker Thakur also noted that she has been receiving wedding invitations but has yet to see any card explicitly stating it is a “dowry-free marriage.” “I want to inform that I am unable to attend any wedding associated with dowry transactions,” she said. “Let us encourage practices of dowry-free, equality-based, and culturally refined marriages.”
