Minister Sita Badi and Madhesi Commission Discuss Campaign to End Dowry System

Kathmandu : Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security Sita Badi and officials of the Madhesi Commission held detailed discussions at the ministry today on launching a national campaign against the dowry system from Madhesh and gradually expanding it across the country.

During the meeting, they discussed necessary suggestions, recommendations and areas of cooperation to make the national campaign against the dowry system effective. They also discussed starting the campaign from Madhesh, gradually expanding it nationwide and taking it to the community level.

Describing the dowry system as a serious social evil linked to economic and social exploitation of women, gender discrimination and domestic violence, the participants stressed the need for effective implementation of existing laws as well as changes in social attitudes and practices to eliminate the practice.

Minister Badi said that building a “Dowry-Free Nepal” should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the government but should be advanced as a shared national campaign involving the entire society. She emphasized expanding awareness against dowry from families and communities and engaging youth, women, local governments, educational institutions, social and religious leaders, civil society and the media in the campaign.

Minister Badi also informed the meeting that she had previously discussed the elimination of the dowry system and the “Dowry-Free Nepal” campaign with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ruby Kumari. She said further discussions and consultations would be held with other stakeholders and that the campaign would be taken forward based on the suggestions and recommendations received.

During the meeting, the Madhesi Commission also presented its views and recommendations on issues faced by women and children in Madhesh, including child marriage, domestic and gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, violence resulting from accusations of witchcraft, child labor and exploitation, human trafficking and transportation, citizenship and identity-related problems, and low participation of women in decision-making processes.

The meeting also discussed developing a social culture of “neither taking nor giving dowry,” continuously expanding awareness at the community level, increasing youth leadership and participation, and strengthening effective coordination and cooperation among the federal, provincial and local governments to end the dowry system.

The ministry said it would hold further discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders in the coming days and incorporate their recommendations before launching the “Dowry-Free Nepal” campaign from Madhesh and gradually expanding it nationwide.