contents - Jananeethi

ANNUAL REPORT - 2003-2004ready to sacrifice to any extent for their son’sbest education.Apparent difference was noticed in the caseof different income groups. It was so foundthat young men and young women of low incomegroups were much concerned of dowry,where as it was not that strong in the case oftheir counter parts in the middle income andhigher income groups. But in the case of parents,the situation was quite different. Parentsof lower income and higher income groupswere more insistent on dowry while it was notthe case with middle income group.Further, demand of dowry was much strongeramong business men and professionals whileother groups like farmers and working classshowed more tolerance and human consideration.It was strange and astonishing to note that religionsnever helped to correct the systemmaligned by the evil practice of dowry. One ofthe major reasons for this sad and sickeningsituation was the gender discrimination thatexists in all spheres of religion. It was noticedwith pain that even relatively better educatedwomen who have been associating with decisionmaking bodies of religious groups were inconformity with male chauvinism and said thathusband had full authority over the soul andbody of his wife.Suggested Policy Measures:In the light of the study on dowry in Kerala,the following suggestions have been made asPolicy Measures. State government, local bodies,religious hierarchies, non-governmentalorganisations and law implementing agenciesare earnestly requested to consider implementationof the recommended action strategiesas given below.1. A national campaign to abolish dowryand caste system is mandatory, becausetogether they tended to reinforce thesystem of caste endogamy.2. Fervent appeal is made to religious leadersand institutions to denounce publiclyall practices and dogmatic admonitionsthat strengthened son preferences andmasculinity of God.3. Public protests should be organizedagainst ostentatious displays at weddings.Steps should be taken to encourageand promote inter-caste, own-choiceand non-dowry marriages, to close downinstitutions and clinics where sex-determinationtests are performed and to stopadvertisements and media relatedprogrammes that encourage dowry systemin all its myriad forms.4. Anti-dowry struggles should be madepart of the mainstream political struggle.All political parties should be appealedto incorporate total eradication of thedowry system from the society into theirelection manifesto of the forthcomingparliament elections.5. Girl’s right to equal share in her ancestralproperty should not be meddled withher marriage. She and every body elseshould have a clear idea of how much4 411