Minister and Deputy Speaker Discuss National Campaign Against Dowry System

Kathmandu. A discussion was held between the Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Social Security, Sita Kumari Yadav, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ruby Kumari Yadav, on conducting a national campaign to end the dowry system. 

In the meeting held at the ministry, detailed discussions were held on initiating the national campaign against the dowry system from Madhesh Province and gradually expanding it across the country.

They also discussed conducting nationwide public awareness programs with the active participation of local levels, schools, communities, religious and social leaders, youth, women's groups, and civil society to make the campaign effective. Both sides emphasized that the dowry system is one of the main causes of violence against women, gender discrimination, and social injustice, and stressed the need to advance strict legal implementation, effective monitoring, and a widespread social awareness campaign simultaneously to end it.

During the discussion, Minister Yadav stated that since the dowry system is not just a legal but also a social challenge, the joint commitment of the state, local levels, educational institutions, civil society, media, and the community is necessary for its eradication. She expressed the view that the campaign to bring about behavioral change in society should be advanced in parallel with the effective implementation of the law.

Similarly, Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari expressed confidence that the campaign starting from Madhesh Province would send a positive message at the national level against the dowry system. She stated that effective coordination between the federal, provincial, and local levels and active cooperation from all stakeholders are indispensable for building a dowry-free society.

During the meeting, discussions were held on making legal provisions more effective for the eradication of the dowry system, advancing public awareness campaigns in an institutional manner, and further strengthening coordination and cooperation among the relevant bodies.