Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari Thakur Vows to Boycott Dowry-Based Weddings

Kathmandu. Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari Thakur has announced that she will no longer attend any wedding ceremonies involving dowry transactions.

Expressing deep dissatisfaction via social media, she noted that the wedding invitations she has been receiving during the current marriage season fail to mention a 'dowry-free wedding.'

Highlighting her concern that society remains trapped by the harmful practice of dowry, she declared her refusal to participate in any such events moving forward.

Deputy Speaker Thakur stated that beyond the act of giving or receiving dowry, accepting such marriages, attending the ceremonies, or partaking in the feasts is socially unacceptable and legally punishable. She argued that this practice directly undermines women's dignity, equality, and rights.

Emphasizing that mere rhetoric about social change and national development is insufficient, she insisted that the fight against regressive practices must begin with personal conduct. She believes that small steps taken at an individual level are essential for significant social transformation.

She has urged everyone to include a clear message on wedding invitations stating 'Dowry-free wedding' and 'Giving and taking dowry is a social and legal crime.' She informed the public that she will be unable to attend weddings lacking such messages or those confirmed to involve dowry, while appealing for the promotion of equality-based and cultured marriage practices.

Calling for collective action, she urged all citizens to take concrete steps toward building a dowry-free society.