Recently, the whole country was shocked when the spine-chilling details of the harassment of a 24-year-old woman in Kerala surfaced after she was found dead in her in-laws’ home. She had reportedly sent messages to her family alleging ‘dowry torture’.
This incident has left many across the nation angry and disappointed. It is an ugly reminder of how even in the 21st century many women are being harassed for dowry despite dowry being banned decades ago.
Recently, Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan, took to Twitter to express his views about the incident and the barbaric ‘dowry system’.
While announcing a 24/7 helpline, the CM also shared his views on some critical issues related to marriage that as a society we need to change!
1. Stop Treating Your Children As Commodities For Sale
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
2. A Fair Society Treats Men & Women Equally
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
3. Men Must Accept Women Are Not Inferior
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
4. Women Need To Raise Their Voice Rather Than Worry About What People 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
5. Assistance To Women In Distress & Initiatives For The Same
Domestic Conflict Resolution Center in every district works online to resolve complaints on atrocities against women. Directed the DGP to enhance its operations and resolve the complaints received without delay.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
6. Online Portals For Women To Reach Out
From now on, ‘Aparajitha’, the online service to resolve cyber crimes against women can be used to submit complaints on offences against women and domestic abuse too. Mail aparajitha.pol@kerala.gov.in or call 9497996992.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
A state nodal officer has been assigned to investigate and resolve complaints regarding dowry. A woman SI will be assisting the nodal officer. Complaints can be submitted on phone to 9497999955. Exhort everyone to use this services effectively. Let’s curb the social stigma!
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021
Many netizens came forward to express their thoughts on the matter!
The rampant display of gold ornaments on women on the day of marriage has to be restricted to maximum of100grams. Legally the display should be restricted
— NOCHIYIL VELAYUDHAN (@NochiyilV) June 23, 2021
@shailajateacher
— divya sivanandan (@divyasivanandan) June 23, 2021
Sir, apart from this we need to focus in one crucial point.
Educating and creating awareness right from school.
These are behavioral defects and are infused from the society. To change a society is a humongous task. But a we can mold in a promising society .
All weddings shld strictly happen only in registrar office no to any wedding halls.
— Karikaalan (@ImKarikaalan) June 23, 2021
Govt shld be involved in all marriages to ensure there’s no dowry henceforth.
Start taking strict action against dowry, and punish both the the takers and the givers.
— oru_kattan (@KattanOru) June 23, 2021
crackdown all all those jewellery adverts where the bride is show as beautiful because she’s wearing her bodyweight in gold.
Thank you. Happy to see you always rising on the occassion as the most dominant voice of the Kerala society.
— Che (@SpicyBeefFry) June 23, 2021
We should all work together to get rid of stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. We are Kerala. If we don’t do that, the country won’t do that.
Sir why don’t bring out a law for simple marriage. Covid protocols given us idea for basic needs,guest list, travel, accomodation, reception (number of ppl) etc. It’s the ideal time to implement these rules so that no one flaunts or extravaganza.This will also help poor parents.
— Raghunathan tk (@raghunathtk) June 23, 2021
Do let us know what you think!
