A Study on the Dowry System and Its Societal Impact in Pakistan

This research report examines the pervasive dowry system in Pakistan, focusing on its adverse impacts on women and society. The study investigates the influence of dowry, favoritism, and the involvement of individuals across different demographics. It reveals that dowry contributes to gender inequality, causing mental and physical harm, and fuels societal greed and conflict. Using a simple random sampling technique and questionnaires, the study found that although most women are involved in the dowry system, a majority of respondents oppose it. The report discusses the negative effects, including domestic violence and financial burdens, while also exploring the role of media and education in mitigating the practice. The literature review highlights the historical context and the increasing trend of dowry as a display of wealth, leading to various social issues. The report suggests measures like education, awareness campaigns, and stricter laws to eradicate the dowry system and promote gender equality. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for societal change and the importance of respecting women to foster a thriving community.

Dowry culture Pakistan
Submitted by:
Muhammad Ahmad
Afan-ul-haq
Ibraheem Khan
Zain Islam Malik
Husnain Mehdi
Academic Writing
Lahore School of Economics
Submitted to:

Ma’am Rameeza Aslam. 2nd MAY,
2021
Abstract
The evil of the dowry system and its effect on Pakistani society are discussed in this research
paper. The aim of this study was to prove the influence, favoritism, and involvement of people in
the Dowry system. This study discovered that dowry causes an inequality in women's status and
has a mental and physical impact on them. Dowry is also a catalyst for societal greed and
conflict. The majority of women, whether educated or illiterate, are involved in the dowry
system. However, the majority of respondents are opposed to the scheme. This study was carried
out using a simple random sampling technique and a questionnaire as a data collection tool.
Furthermore, reliability analysis was used to evaluate the scale's reliability, and chi-square was
used to check the relationship between demographics and research questions. The findings were
discussed in the context of Pakistani culture.
Acknowledgment
We have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind
support and help of many individuals and social sites. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to
all of them. I would like to express my gratitude towards my friends and our instructor Mam
Rameeza Aslam for her guidance and for being and exceptional mentor and a teacher throughout
this whole process. I would like to like to express my special gratitude and thank to social media
and Whatsapp groups for giving us such attention and time. Furthermore, our team is great full

for all our 62 respondents, who answered our survey questions because the data they provided
helped us to come to many conclusions. Our team would specially like to thank Mehrunnisa
Akmal (a women right activist) from Asro Foundation. My thanks and appreciation also goes to
my college for developing the project and people who have willingly helped me with my
abilities.
Introduction
Dowry is an act which is usually performed mostly in every marriage taking place especially in
subcontinent; gifts are given by the bride’s family to groom and his family. Tough it may seem
harm less, this exercise leaves a lot of effects on our society. This practice is rooted in our
country and culture. Pakistan is one of the countries in which dowry is given in every class.
Dowry system was majorly introduced by Indian culture and as Pakistan is derived from sub-
continent so many things in both countries are similar. Parents give their daughter’s gift so they
can stay happy in new home and there be good relationships between the two sides. And groom’s
side will accept whatever they give as a gift happily by their heart. Soon it became a trend. And
this trend turned into an indispensable part of culture. A part which has pressurized the bride’s
start, and formed a fear of marriage from girl’s side. It leaves them thinking dowry is saving
them from this unjust society yet it is just adding is negative affects day by day. Dowry haven’t
only lead to neglected girl’s status overall in a society.
Dowry has both domestic and socio-economic effects. Through the data collected while
performing this research, we find out that there are both positive and negative effects. However,
the negative effects clearly balance out the positive ones. The negative effects include domestic
violence, heavy financial burden on the family giving dowry, gender discrimination, infanticide,

women not being able to earn, gender discrimination in the economic world and many others.
The report discusses all these matters in depth.
The role of media has affected this dowry in both ways, negatively and positively. It has also
helped NGOs In their work so people can have more knowledge about dowry. But as media
exploits some of the cases which lead to negligence of the rightful cases. Media has helped and
even worsened this case of dowry. Media has helped to educate more people about dowry
causing an evil effect on our society, and pressurizing parents in every area around Pakistan. We
have also talked about that steps can be taken to remove its roots in our society. Education helps
a lot in this case, this responsibility should be handed over to media without them exploiting
their rights. Educating groom and bride’s parents to eradicate this worm from our soil. Educating
girls, and teaching to be independent, educated, carrier oriented will also would help putting a
full stop to dowry.
Literature review
In traditional societies across the world, a transfer of money or goods is made when a marriage
initiates. These transfers are made by the bride and her family to the groom and his family. This
transfer is classified as dowry (Makino, 2019). Dowry is no longer a set of gift items intended for
contributing towards a suitable beginning of the practical life of a newly married couple.
Copious and loud marriages, designers‟ items studded bride, bridegroom and other family
members, many course meals etc. all put up with the dowry system .In a country where an
immense majority of populace lives beneath poverty line and is devoid of basic human
requirements like water, sanitation, and electricity, health and education the increasing leaning of
such exhibiting marriages is adding miseries in society. (Nauman, 2012). Dowry is a actual

burden on the bride’s parents causing them to be filled with continuous loan, and the brides
which belong from the lower middle class. At time brothers and parents both work hard and ask
people for loan which they know they won’t be able to take off, but they want to get their sister
married at the demand of dowry only. If they don’t ask for loans fulfill the demand of dowry
there are negative problems for the daughter, and after sometime she might start blaming her
parents. For those parents who have 4-5 daughters do not know where to go they don’t know
what to do all they can do is working double or even triple shifts fulfilling the expenses getting
an hour or less of sleep for months or years. (Ali, 2013) It is a discrimination act which is done
against all the unmarried girls, whose value is mostly defined by the amount of dowry they carry
on their shoulders. Thanks to this discrimination, when a daughter is born in this country people
cry instead of being happy. She is unprivileged from the basic rights such as education, freedom,
speech. . It is considered to be a gift so the husband can refrain from divorces, and abuses. If he
does so the gifts should be returned with her wife to her parents. Land and many other gifts are
used by her husband he can use and make more profit during marriage. (Nauman, 2012). The
dowry amount seems to be increasing over time, because dowry is also becoming as an act to
showoff, it means usually the groom side or the bride’s side tells their relative that they have
either given or received loads of gifts in dowry and because of this showoff, the dowry trend is
booming. Instead, colleagues, friends and families be proud and brag about dowry given or
received in front of each other. In this run they are forgetting now everyone can afford enormous
gifts, leading to further problems. This jealousy has also led for parents to demand dowry so they
can be proud that their son’s wife brought this car with her so they cannot be ashamed while
sitting in gatherings. (Goody, (1973)) It can be claimed that larger dowry size leads to a decrease
in marital violence because it increases the economic resources of the marital family, increases

the social status of the groom and the in-laws, and it serves as an asset because of which the
bride is able to have relatively more control in the intra-household resources. Brides who are
gifted a generous amount of dowry from there family may benefit. However, this leads to a trend
in high dowry expectations and which may cause a chain of events or may lead to problems such
as sex selective abortion and female infanticide. (Srinivasan, 2007). Dowry is associated with
violence against women. It forces parents to invest in female education. In worse cases leads to
female child murder. Social status kept in mind while marrying in greed for more dowry. A rich
brides father will prefer a rich guy for her daughter. Dowry can be controlled in response to
economic forces, and the early stages of evolution invariably result in dowry that are harmful to
women. Parents should be allowed to invest in their daughters' intellectual resources rather than
accepting those fees. Governments can support initiatives that empower women, such as female
education subsidies, targeted job opportunities, and micro credit schemes. Marriage subsidies
will be phased out until women have more equitable economic opportunity than men. (Anderson,
2014) Dowry has led to loss of the value of the concept of marriage. Which were sacrament at a
time were now simple business deals. Dowry related death has been a very old problem, were in
present before partition of the subcontinent. According to figures given in lok Sabha 1989,
indicate that there is 65% increase in dowry related deaths. Criminals like these have not yet
received any kind of social condemnation or retribution. (Makino, 2019). In our society, the
giving and demanding of dowry has been widely spread. This is not an issue that people are
facing today; rather, it has been affecting people for centuries. So we have come up with the
steps which if followed, can finish the practice of dowry. We need to educate our daughters, and
let them be busy in their education career. This will help them to stay away from the stress by the
topic of dowry being discussed in their surroundings. Education will help them to get awareness

and they can refuse to marry dowry seekers. Discrimination between boys and girls should be
stopped so that girls can get their education equally as boys get in our society. When girls are
more focused on their education or career, they are well aware of their rights. Hence, they can
raise their voices against dowry, for this girls should be independent and bold enough so they can
refuse to marry dowry seekers. And this all can be only achieved when they will get an
awareness through education. (Rakshinda, 2011) Marriage marks the start of a new period in a
person's life, and we should begin this phase without placing undue strain on the parents of
young women. Marriage is a social contract in which greed and selfishness should not be
present. Both parties must respect the rights of the other and start this new journey with love and
sincerity. Don't ask the other person for anything you don't want for yourself. (Mahanaz, 2013) A
society which cannot respect its women, cannot grow. We should uproot this bad custom by
imposing strict laws and public awareness. Boys should also be more focused on their education
and career as they also play a vital role in eradicating this system. As they should be courageous
enough to oppose this inhumane practice. Inequality caused by dowry will be put to a stop when
society will stop the discrimination between both genders. If they will provide the girls with
education equally as they give to their boys. Starting a campaign to put a complete ban on dowry
by famous people such as bloggers and celebrities can play a very vital role in our society. As
public awareness is the main tool and it can be raised through different mediums. Furthermore,
child marriages would not take place as more girls and boys will be willing to focus on their
education or career instead of marriages only if they will get an awareness. (Mahanaz, 2013)
Dowry is still a traditionally sanctioned and socially organized tradition in India, despite its legal
prohibition. Not only the husband, but also his family members participate in the victimization of
the woman in dowry-related abuse. This research is focused on a content review of newspapers

to learn about the public's views of dowry-related crimes against women. The paper investigates
the disadvantages. In almost all the cases, the victimized woman is young, not highly educated,
and dependent. The incidents are mostly confined to the early years of marriage and the victim's
husband tends to be the main tormentor. The paper concludes that in more than 80% of the cases,
the outcome is the wife’s death, preceded by physical and mental torture. ( (Prasad, 1994).
Disputes over the dowry lead to "dowry killings," in which wives are burned alive by their
husband's ancestors, according to the press. As a result, "dowry" violence does not specifically
affect marriage-related expenses made at the time of the nuptials, but rather supplementary
payments requested by the groom's family after the marriage, in which the husband continuously
abuses the wife in order to extort money. (Bloch, 2002)
Research Questions
Primary Question
What are the consequences of ongoing practice of dowry system in Pakistan?
Subsidiary Questions
1. What are the reasons behind the tradition of giving and demanding dowry?
2. What are the different ways in which the people practice dowry?
3. How people get affected domestically in the society?
4. What are socio-economic effects of this practice?
5. What is the role of media to stop the evil of dowry?
6. Which steps can be taken to eradicate this social norm?

Methodology
The following are the goals of this study: Determine the extent to which the dowry system
affects our society. To investigate societal perspectives on the dowry system? To see if there is a
way to control the dowry system's evil. To determine how many people support this system and
how many oppose it. To investigate why educated people continue to engage in this heinous
activity. Considering the fact that our target audience is the random public and it is too immense
to possibly reach out to, we will be sampling a limited number of population. Our research tools
consisted of three major elements; interview, questionnaires and case study. All being the
primary and secondary form of research. To present and analyze critical figures, we made use of
statistical charts i.e. bar charts and graphs, which are outcome of our survey questions we
proposed to people in the form of Google forms. We had found out a large number of variation
between the answers. This can be mainly seen because random people with different age groups
and living standards were targeted, so we can have a better quality result to understand what each
class and age members think about the practice of dowry. Such charts help understand large
amounts of data in a shorter period of time and grant a deeper understanding of what the
gathered data amounts to. Due to corona virus we were unable to conduct a physical interview,
so we had a zoom meeting with a person in the Ngo, and the interview questioned which are
proposed below were sent to here and were answered by here in a very precise manner. Next we
found out data from extracts and articles. This prove to be a great way of especially rechecking

the validity of our data and most of our results were alike. Furthermore articles proved to be a
great way to learn new things and explore new things
Analysis of Data and Discussion
Q1.What are the reasons behind the tradition of giving and demanding dowry? Q2.
Explain the ways in which dowry is practiced?
(Muhammad Ahmad)
Description and History of Dowry
Marriage hold a very important role in every other person’s life, as it is considered to be
changing point in anyone’s life. But even before the marriage every other person in our country
is facing the problem of dowry. If we look closely into the history either it ancient Babylon or
ancient history dowry is there and practiced, which stated that husband had right over her wife’s
dowry excluding the property she was given for herself. Even in the roman history dowry existed
and was given to help cover the cost of new household. Dowry, is a practice that is deeply rooted
in our country; when money, good and estate that a girl brings along herself in a marriage, is
known as dowry.
Different religions on Dowry
Islam is the religion which is mostly followed in Pakistan, according to this religion the dowry is
not given from the bride’s side instead it is give by the groom to the bride to secure her financial
state, it can be money or property which is given there can be a mark of respect, and it is the

fundamental right; the amount can be deiced and negotiated between the two families. Where as
on the other hand the other religions which are practiced in Pakistan are Hinduism and
Christianity, it is the opposite Hinduism gave this idea and which was later on adopted by the
Christans that the bride’s parent should give dowry. Dowry tradition has developed over time,
the girl’s in laws expect the bride to bring along things which are worth a lot of money, so she
can help her husband and family. This practice is not only grown over years in Pakistan it has
spread in Europe, South Asia, Africa and many other parts of world. In many countries like
Pakistan, which are poor and struggling states in which basic necessities are filled with many
difficulties, in a country like this people have to struggle with giving dowry to their daughter
thinking they are securing a good future for their daughters.
Dowry and Affect
It is a discrimination act which is done against all the unmarried girls, whose value is mostly
defined by the amount of dowry they carry on their shoulders. Thanks to this discrimination,
when a daughter is born in this country people cry instead of being happy. She is unprivileged
from the basic rights such as education, freedom, speech. Female with no economic support she
exits at the assistance of her groom. Parents are depressed , and believe this to be a curse instead
of a blessing. Even educated families start saving up for their daughters’ marriage because of the
culture and the air which is created in this society. One of the reasons of giving dowry is a
protection of the wife, against her husband and his family. It is considered to be a gift so the
husband can refrain from divorces, and abuses. If he does so the gifts should be returned with her
wife to her parents. Land and many other gifts are used by her husband he can use and make
more profit during marriage. Dowry is usually promoted in young couples, to help them
financially so they can establish a household, otherwise without dowry it would have been

difficult from them to settle down. Dowry is also provided so incase of husband’s death and
there is problem of inheritance dowry can be used for her to survive. Dowry is also given to
compensate groom’s kin for the expenses occurred, to maintain friendship between two families.
But this is not always the case usually dowry is also demanded by the in laws, they ask for dowry
in rural areas where there is lack of education and respect; so before their marriage usually the
groom’s side set demands such as they want bikes or some part of land in marriage. In developed
area dowry is not asked, it is considered obligatory by the bride’s side, and it is given as a token
of love from bride’s side and to raise her status in the family. It is often thought more the dowry
more the respect is gained by bride in her in laws. Despite all the allegations received on dowry
and is also banned in some parts of the world. It is still demanded and given.
Dowry in a Society
The dowry amount seems to be increasing over time, because dowry is also becoming as an act
to showoff, it means usually the groom side or the bride’s side tells their relative that they have
either given or received loads of gifts in dowry and because of this showoff, the dowry trend is
booming. People are in run of competing each other in this world and now even in dowry they
are not ready to put a full stop to this chapter. Instead colleagues, friends and families be proud
and brag about dowry given or received in front of each other. In this run they are forgetting now
everyone can afford enormous gifts, leading to further problems. Dowry is a competition which
is present amongst two house wives present in one house. Comparing with each other and
coitizing each other’s gifts. This jealousy has also led for parents to demand dowry so they can
be proud that their son’s wife brought this car with her so they can not be ashamed while sitting
in gatherings. By any of point of view jealousy is not a healthy feeling. It leads people to guilt
traps and fights. Dowry has been boosted by our culture, by our people and by the lack of

education. Dowry cannot assure someone that marriage is going to be successful, dowry can
secure any girl’s future or save her from the torture if she is facing any. Dowry cannot secure any
woman’s rights. Instead of giving this right to the government we have given this to this deadly
practice. Parents spend their life struggling earning and fear to invest their daughter’s education
instead they teach her household chores, and save that money for dowry. Women are not taught
properly, their careers are held at stake just for the sake of dowry. They are not taught to be
independent and stand against the oppressors instead loads of dowry is considered the solution to
all problems. Women are not taught equality, since the beginning they are taught to be better
housewives instead of teaching them to be better human. In result of the society we as educated
humans are created, if dowry is not good enough wives are beaten and in some rare cases even
killed. Thanks to the technology we are blessed with media, and even media shows us that how
women are dying because of this issue. Just because there are demands from the educated in laws
they want a house, car and even multiple dishes are needed in the wedding for days so they
groom’s side can gain respect from their guests, good clothes for groom’s side, land for the
couple, well settles job for the groom, honeymoon packages for the couple and the list goes on.
The inflation in the dowry; in the sub-continent has proven us women are at a disadvantage of
marriage market and have to spend in millions for their marriage, which adds to the plight of
parents of daughters and have thus contributed to thus scarcity of the brides specially in India,
Pakistan and Bangladesh which share the same history. Our research shows that either arrange or
love marriage, or illiterate and educated people both are fully involved in this practice, and this
practice is taking lives, some bride commit suicide because they are rejected for not fulfilling the
dowry demands made very often. Majority of the people tend to agree that dowry system has
injected in the blood of the society as it was initiated from Hindi customs and following in

Pakistani Muslims. Muslims in Pakistan are following this Hindu custom which was introduced
in their religion. It is clear that woman has the ability and can be married any day, with dowry
charges at donation. And as Pakistan’s majority people reside in villages and dowry is still
practiced their open, so If the groom’s demands are not met it leads to empathetic relationship
and leading to breakups of the marriage. In Pakistan, women only gets freedom once she is
married and it only appears to happen with cost of dowry. But this debt does not affect the bridge
alone it also causes problems for the family. It is financial burden for the care takers, and it is a
burden which can be handled for one daughter, if there are many it becomes impossible for the
parents to cater with this. It does not affect the bride financially but it affects her emotionally and
by believing that she is burden on her family, she does not get peace of mind even on a blessed
event like her marriage. Hence dowry has been a curse on this country, and has sowed it seeds in
our society.
What are the domestic effects of dowry?
(Afan-ul-Haq)
Dowry has both negative and positive impacts domestically. However,
when the facts were laid out, it is clearly seen that the negative effects
overweigh the positive ones. Before considering the negative and
positive impacts of dowry, some general observations about the
society in the country Pakistan should be stated. According to the data
collected during this research and by analyzing the data gained
through other secondary resources; it is believed that the law in our
country is not able to protect the rights of women when they enter
their marital house. If the groom and his family is suppressing the

rights of the bride, there isn’t much she can do about it. If a woman
belongs to a middle-class family or any other economic bracket lower
than it, returning back to her parents is an option that isn’t always
available. The weak law and the cruel culture, raises the importance of
dowry in the eyes of the bride’s side of the family as no one will their
daughter to be un-safe in her new house. Sometimes, only giving
dowry isn’t enough as there can be two situations; if the groom’s side
is satisfied by the amount of dowry given by the bride’s side of the
family or if they are not.
Positive Impacts:
Bride’s intra-household resource allocation increases:
The intra-household position of the bride in her marital family is secured. As stated above,
dowry secures the position of the bride in her new home. The rights of the bride are usually
suppressed because she is seen as a financial burden by the groom’s side. When the bride enters
the house with dowry, which can be seen as a financial resource in this current situation, her
position rises in the eyes of the new family. The graph supports the claims made above. 75% of
the of the people who answered believed that dowry in fact does secure the position of women in
their marital family.
Financial burden on groom decreases:
The bride does not cause heavy financial burden on the groom when she joins her new
family. When the bride comes to her new house, it is the responsibility of the groom and
his family to take care of all her financial matters. Sometimes this responsibility can
become a heavy burden. However, through the amount of dowry that burden is

decreased. Obviously new furniture, clothes, and different appliances are needed when
another person enters the family. Just like when a baby is born, a new member to the
family, clothes are bought for him or her, new furniture is bought such as a bed. When
the baby grows up, a new room is made for him if it wasn’t present before and it
requires different appliances such as a fan, air conditioner, floor tiles, etc. The bride is
also a new member to the family and is a fully grown human being. She has her needs,
new furniture, clothes and home appliances are also required for her. Full-filling these
requirements are a burden for the groom and his family. When the bride brings some of
these items with her when she enters the family, in the form of dowry, that burden is
lowered.
The decision making of the bride in the marital home increases.
When the position of the bride increases in the eyes of the marital family and she
decreases the financial burden she was expected to bring, her say in the household
matters increase. She is considered as a family member and the groom’s side does not
have a reason to look down on her. If she didn’t bring these resources with her, because
of the toxic culture of this society, the bride wouldn’t be allowed to have say in
household matters. In the eyes of her new family, she will just be a burden.
Negative impacts (incase dowry is given):
A heavy financial burden on the Bride and her family:

Giving dowry is no easy task. It puts a great financial burden on the
bride’s family. The responses of the survey conducted prove this claim.
Mainly the middle and the poor class is affected by these huge dowry
requirements as 70% of the participants who choose yes as an answer
were either from the middle class or the lower class. The demand of
dowry from the bride’s family makes the bride liability to her parents.
The huge amount of money or property asked from the groom’s family
traps poor people in debt. Families who do not have the resources to
meet the dowry demand made from the other side are forced to take
loans, which usually have high interests. These loans put families in
further financial debt even after the daughter has been successfully
married.
The practice results in women being subjected to gender
discrimination:
The high financial burden has other side-effects on the family. In the
interview taken by our team from different NGO’s, some working
across the country and others working on a relative smaller scale we
found that in our society, middle or lower-class families sacrifice the
education of their daughters to save money for the dowry they have to
give in the future. Instead of giving her education and teaching her
how to earn for herself, the daughter is taught home economics. By
following these practices families proves that they consider their
daughters as liabilities and this way they become subjects of gender

discrimination. This way dowry system dehumanizes women by
treating them as a sort of good or property. They are treated as goods
that can be exchanged. Because of this practice women are seen as a
burden, to be passed along. Dowry becomes a payment by the bride’s
family to the groom’s family as cost of taking care of the bride. As
women are seen as a liability, families prefer to have a male child
instead of a female. According to DOWRY SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN by Shazia
Gulzar birth of a male offspring is celebrated while the birth of a female
offspring is thought as bad luck. The daughters don’t enjoy the
facilities and benefits of education; they are not able to enter the
economic world.
Causes infanticide:
The practice of this evil tradition also results in female infanticide. As
females are seen as a financial burden, many parents abort the female
child or allow them to die when they are born; these practices are
usually held in the rural areas of Balochistan and Sindh. From January
2017 to April 2018, Edhi Center foundation and Chhipa Welfare
organization found 345 new born babies dumped in garbage in the city
Karachi from which 99 percent were girls. (Wikipedia, 2019)

More burden placed if the bride has a physical dis-ability
Gender discrimination is not the only type of discrimination caused because of dowry.
Dowry causes discrimination against the disabled. If the bride has any kind of health
issue or disability, the groom’s side demands for more dowry because in their eyes, the
disability makes the bride a greater financial liability. The dowry size becomes a source
of comparison between daughter in laws, by the in-laws. The bride who brought more
dowry is given importance over the ones that brought less.
Negative effects (if no dowry is given or the groom’s side of the family is not satisfied with
the amount of dowry):
Cancelled marriages, harassment and violence
If the bride’s side of the family is not able to give the demanded dowry, marriages are
usually cancelled. If the marriage still takes place without the demanded size of dowry,
women are subjected to harassment and violence in their new home. According to data
collected in the research, we find out that the bride who failed to meet the dowry
requirements is always being taunted about it by her in-laws. There were some cases
where the bride was required to keep bringing in goods and keeping up with the
demand of the in-laws. Incase she is not able to do so, she was subjected to violence.

The violence in some cases goes to the extent of acid throwing or severe beating and
assault. Women usually stay silent and bear with the violence.
The continuous case of violence and harassment leads to mental problems for the bride.
Extreme cases of violence also result in cases of dowry deaths or suicide. Dowry-related
violence and deaths have been widespread since Pakistan became an
independent nation. At over 2,000 dowry-related deaths per year, and annual
rates exceeding 2.45 deaths per 100,000 women from dowry-related violence,
Pakistan has the highest reported number of dowry death rates per 100,000
women in the world. (Gulzar, 2019)
Results in forced marriages and no divorce
Dowry also causes the marriage to continue forcibly, even tough the bride and groom
are not happy with each other. This is because in order to divorce the bride, the
husband has to pay back all the resources the bride brought with her, which were
decided and recorded at the time of ‘Nikkah’.
Giving those resources back is a huge financial stress for the husband and in some cases
is impossible for him. Un-less the wife has full support from her parents or is able to
earn her living and live alone by herself, she also is not ale to quit the situation. As a
result, women continue to suffer from the continuous violence and harassment.
Consequences of violence and harassment on the bride and her children

The violence caused by dowry not only effects the wives, but also effects the children.
Children become victim to mental health problems such as, PTSD, depression and
anxiety. Because of the bad and violent environment at home, they are not able to
perform well in school. Children reflect what they see at their home in their normal
life’s and this results in them being involved in activities such as bullying and fighting
because they can’t show dominance at home and get the opportunity to show it in
school or their social life. The bride and her children may also use drugs to escape the
pain and harsh environment they face at home.
Q4. What are socio-economic effects of this practice?
(Ibraheem Khan)
To begin with, there is an excess supply of women in the marriage market, which necessitates the
use of dowry as a means of achieving equilibrium. Second, differences in men's and women's
patterns of human capital accumulation have resulted in a greater positive gain from marriage for
women than for men, with the net difference theoretically equal to the dowry number. Both of
these reasons for the presence of dowry are largely based on the vast majority of the society's
powerful social and cultural philosophies of marriage.
Social effects
Dowry has become an actual curse for the poor these days by discouraging them and violating a
family’s peace, growth and harmony. It has been affecting all types of people in a society may it
be a rich person or a poor, and it has ruined a number of families and made very unhappy homes.
Nowadays it can be seen that not only brides to be but teenaged girls are driven into frustration

and trauma. The arrangements and acts against endowment in the Pakistan legitimate code are to
a great extent ineffectual. The phenomenon is too unavoidable and too pervasive in provincial
networks (where civil law is not really perceived not to mention noticed) to be affected by
essentially any sort of legitimate rules. Additionally, contemplates have shown that a larger part
of police and other security authorities view dowry as a family issue in which the law, the public
authority, or the police ought not meddle. In that capacity, the normal discipline for disregarding
legitimate codes with respect to dowry is basically zero, and families keep on rehearsing the
giving of endowment as indicated by custom. Besides, the ineffectiveness of the lawful codes too
implies that the dowry is basically irrecoverable upon the termination of the marriage. The
absence of legitimate requirement of laws relating to the family brings about a discouraging
however monetarily genuine reasonable for the execution of two intense social ills: wife murder
and female infanticide. Occasionally there are some instances that men of their own family
(relatives) resort to some kind of physical violence and different kinds of assaults to their wife
for not bringing in expected and insufficient dowry. On account of the essentially nonexistent
expected punishment for legal infringement concerning dowry and in light of the fact that men in
Pakistani culture don't by and large face any negative financial or societal consequences upon
dissolution of a marriage, the existence of dowry basically prompts a man to dispose of his
present spouse if the expected gains from doing so surpass the increases from proceeding to be
with her. Basically, a man who can acquire from the possible endowment of a second marriage
than from the advantages of staying with his first spouse is bound to kill his present wife,
particularly if there is a low likelihood of conviction. Along these lines, wife abuse might be
utilized as a methods of inciting a lady to leave a marriage, accordingly permitting the husband
to get a second marriage and a suitable second dowry without the legal risk (however small) of

committing murder. Albeit this economic rational still can't seem to be satisfactorily validated
through experimental exploration, the contention is persuading especially considering the
extraordinary inescapability of dowry related spouse abuse and murder. In a similar vein, the
dowry framework might be viewed as partly liable for the female child murder that happens all
over provincial Pakistan. On account of the same lack of lawful implementation that has
exacerbated dowry related abuse and murder, the phenomenon of female child murder is
common among Pakistani families (especially in rural networks) where the extra expense of
dowry for a third or fourth daughter may incredibly exceed the family's financial limit. Both
dowry related killings as well as female child murder are unfortunate and exceptionally harmful
side effects of Pakistan's dowry framework. Imposing an exceptionally negative sway on the
social welfare of women in Pakistan culture, these phenomena should be tended to as what they
are—side effects of a more critical root issue: that is, the prevailing social and cultural
philosophy that prompted the presence of dowry in the first place. These kind of men sometimes
are forced by their families specially manipulated by their mothers and they out of mere pressure
become evil. These kind of men have almost never received any kind of punishment by the state
or any social condemnation. All of the above the evil of dowry develops sex delinquency, of
which the parents, relatives and the society remains helpless and they just see their helpless
daughter(s) live a wild life. Dowry demands have led to a break-down of marriages and
consequently leading to divorce which has lead the woman and their parents into distress and to
suffer badly for no fault of her or them at all. Dowry becomes a way to keep one's social status
by attracting a husband of at least equal social standing for one's daughter. It is associated with
highly class-based social structures in which higher-level individuals do not want to marry

lower-level individuals. As a result, the dowry figure rises in tandem with the bride's father's
income as well as the groom's future prospects.
Economic affect
Demanding dowry has led to total loss of the sanctity the word marriage holds, which was
considered to be sacrament are now considered as large business deals in which the groom’s side
aims to make as much profit as possible. The initial stages of growth, which mostly benefit men,
result in marriage payments that benefit men at the expense of women. Marriage payments are
unlikely to vanish before women receive fair returns on investments in their human resources.
Nowadays some kind of marriages takes places like a complete business for example marrying to
make a good relation and securing a deal, marrying girls for their wealth which will bring allot of
dowry and fringe benefits and many other. The rates of dowry, vary from caste to caste and
mostly depends on the status of the groom and his family and other things, such as, education,
employment, wealth and other material. In some cases, especially in India and Pakistan, dowry is
demanded on a commitment that they will give the same amount of dowry on their
daughter’s/sister’s marriage. Where there are more earning opportunities for men and women are
forced into homes, this makes women economically less valuable. Places where the women are
less empowered are competing to get more desirable grooms. Brides with wealthier father
chooses the one with higher earning power and agrees to give dowry to him. Dowry payments
occur as a result of grooms' quality distinction, as seen in socially stratified societies. This is in
line with a development process in which women do not directly benefit from modernization
while men are the main beneficiaries of new economic opportunities. This makes it quite
obvious that dowry payment decline as a result of female economic power and earning money by
herself even after marriage. When female economic opportunities are plentiful, dowries become

a less attractive option for providing future wealth to brides than investing directly in their
human capital. Parents earn their life time just to collect dowry for their daughters weeding. This
is a cultural, where daughter is seen as a burden and her education is compromised by saving
money of her fees and buying stuff for her dowry. Poor people even tend to take money from
bank or from someone just for the sake of buying stuff for dowry. Dowry has created a great
pressure on the people. The thought that they have to complete the demanded stuff by the
groom’s family forces them into anxiety and depression. Which reduces their level of happiness
in their daughters marriage and demotivates them, but they have to give dowry or their will be
problems in the future for their daughter or they will be no marriage and the girl would be
rejected on giving no or less dowry.
To conclude, Dowry is affecting our society in a great way, especially more in a socio-economic
way. We are not even close of getting rid of this cultural practice. Marriage payments grow in
response to economic forces, and the early stages of growth invariably result in marriage
payments that are harmful to women. Parents should be encouraged to invest in their daughters'
for example by educating them and allowing them jobs etc. Governments can support initiatives
that empower women, such as female education subsidies, targeted job opportunities, and
microcredit schemes. Marriage subsidies will be phased out until women have more equal
economic opportunities than men. Education also plays a vital role. By education we can learn
the evil impact dowry has on people and the society and can stop this practice, grooms parents
can deny to receive any kind of dowry.
Q5-What is the role of the media to stop the evil of dowry?

(Zain Islam Malik)
Dowry system is a custom that does not belong to a single country, it is practiced everywhere
around globe. Women have been undergoing the arranged marriage and dowry system for
centuries. We cannot think of a wedding without dowry in some places in the world. The societal
and cultural effects of dowry are many and devastating.
WHY DOWRY TAKES PLACE IN OUR SOCIETY? (LACK OF INFORMATION)
The main reason of the existence of this evil practice is due to the lack of information and
education among the people. If the society is educated on the fact that women are not financial
liabilities but are equally resourceful as men. If this discrimination is eradicated from the society
than there is hope of eliminating the practice of the evil practice of dowry from our society. This
education and awareness can be given or delivered through media to the people. Lack of
education and awareness promotes these kind of evil cultures. Hence, to stop or decrease the
dowry system it is very essential to aware people of this system as awareness is a continuous
process everyone should play there part. Although the people have progressed but the mindset of
people had not changed in all areas. Media having excess to these people can be very helpful in
changing the mindset of these people.
HOW AND WHY MEDIA IS A VITAL ROLE IN ELIMINATION DOWRY?
Media has played a vital role to stop or aware people around the globe about the evil system of
dowry. Pakistan has literacy rate of 58% which shows, that 42% of population is illiterate or
uneducated. However, 76.2% of the population has excess to media. It can be in any form; social
media, television, radio and newspaper. Even if, this illiterate mass does not gain education from
anywhere, but there excess to the media can influence their thought process. These people tend

to follow or understand what the media is promoting. Hence media should provide them with
content that encourages them to not follow the practice of dowry. Media is a platform where a lot
of the people can get the awareness and drawbacks of giving and taking dowry as mentioned
above many people in Pakistan believe in what the media has to say. If the proper drawbacks of
dowry are presented to mass in a way they can relate to it, there are high chances that they
understand and implement the eradication of dowry from their society.
MEDIA MOVEMENTS AGAINST DOWRY
Many channels and media bodies worked and started campaign against dowry culture. In
Pakistan movements were launched on media against dowry.
Propelled on November 26 2001, the advocacy project was an effort to encourage a thinking
process through creating awareness and sensitisation about the institution and practice of dowry
and dowry violence in Pakistan. Fight against Dowry (FAD) was an initiative of Advocates of
Gender, Education and Health Information (AEGHI) Resource Centre, the technical wing of the
Society for the Advancement of Community, Health, Education and Training (SACHET), a-not-
for-profit voluntary civil society organisation (CSO) dedicated to endorsing the development of
deprived communities in Pakistan from a gender-sensitive perspective. Central aims included:
-To recognize insights, perspectives, rehearses regarding endowment in Pakistani society.
- To illuminate all partners, essentially youth and understudies, about the social, monetary,
mental, and wellbeing risks of share and endowment viciousness.
- To draw in broad communications in advancement and scattering of mindfulness against
outcomes of share.
- To campaign for different changes with the numerous degrees of government.
- To sort out and prepare understudies and guardians against endowment.

As a feature of this exertion, FAD worked with media, youth, and all intrigued gatherings to
feature the impacts and results of the custom and establishment of settlement. Trend made some
viable strides for the reason by ending the way of life of quiet, advancing positive exchange, and
sorting out exercises to include youth during the time spent advancing the message.
The vital strategies to accomplish these targets included examination, media backing, youth
association, and coordinated effort with lawmakers, strict pioneers, and assessment creators.
THE MASS MEDIA PROVIDING AWARENESS ABOUT THESE HAZARDS.
Experts were approached to go about as compel bunches in strategy making institutions to
substitute an exact depiction of ladies in broad communications and mass communication. In
particular, a public assistance message/video spot was broadcasted on Pakistan TV in March
2002. A few TV appearances were held to share insights regarding FAD.
FAD likewise utilized the internet as a tool of speaking with partners about the venture. Public,
local, and all the accessible print media were additionally included. Standard highlights, articles,
audits, and news about FAD were remembered for English and Urdu newspapers. Furthermore,
FAD distributed an extraordinary release of the "FAD bulletin" that included the opnions of
professionals, students, and youth.
TELEVISION ADVOCACY
There was a resource centre AGEHI that produced a fifteen minute, thirteen episode television
series knows as “FAD –Jahez k khilaf Jang” that was showed in 2003. The series was based on
the “etymology” perspective and included poetry, songs and documentary. Each programme
handled a selected size of the complicated trouble of dowry which include patriarchy, loopholes
within the law and the part played by the boys and girls in perpetuating dowry systems. Real
stories of dowry system and survivors were also added in 7 of the episodes. The programme

expressed opinions and concerns of people not only from Pakistan but also from Bangladesh,
Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. In particular, the segment "Youth Views" investigated the
perspectives of rustic and metropolitan Pakistani youth in regards to their discernments,
mentalities, and information about marriage costs, customs, traditions, dowry system, dowry
violence and their capability to change the negative practices which have become standards. The
"FAD Tip" segment of each programme used the services of a renowned female TV personality
to broadcast information about "Nikkah naama" (marriage certificate), rights of women, and the
cost of dowry violence. "Civic Will" was a turning point that brought together academicians,
intellectuals, and activists to express their opinions on the issues of dowry. A video series was
also made based on the show. It was designed for the encouragement of the community
understanding of the issue and continued efforts to discourse it through local attempts to
challenge existing legal roadblocks.
Stars and celebrities have volunteered to stand firm against this evil and helpless practice
uncontrolled in our society spreading awareness about this unnecessary danger ruining the lives
of many. A new trend #Stopjahezkhori has shaken up the social media and news creating a new
term Jahezkhori to express their displeasure at the injudicious demand made be the grooms
family. This new trend has made a significance stance about the dowry culture and has persuaded
many people that were in favour of this system.
MEDIA TO STOP DOWRY
In the end media is a forum where everyone can express their views about anything. Media
encourages people to come up and speak against the evil dowry system so the people listening
can feel and understand that it is a false and evil practise happening on a large scale in our

society and this will encourage them to raise voice against it. As most of the population has an
easy access to media and they are highly responsive on the content shared on it. Media is the
most effective and vital tool that can be used to eliminate the system of dowry. In my opinion
every media forum should be bound to speak against dowry and share true stories or incidents
that destroyed a women life because of this system. People will get to know the ground realties
and they will help to put a barrier to this system. Media role is required on a large level to do
this. Media should be a forum where women can feel easy and comfortable while sharing their
dowry giving experience.
Which steps can be taken to eradicate this social norm?
(Husnain Mehdi)
The dowry system is a heinous crime that still exists in Pakistan. It is a form of discrimination
against unmarried girls, whose worth is determined by the cost and quantity of their dowries.
Dowry is a great curse, particularly for parents from the lower middle class, because it is an
example of greed and selfishness. This is why, people become sad and feel cursed when a
daughter is born. In Pakistan, the dowry system should be abolished, and people should refuse to
marry if dowry is requested or granted. Since it is a major source of stress for parents of girls,
banning of this practice will lead to a happier life. Furthermore, it is not an Islamic act.
The following are some of the drawbacks of the dowry system; When a poor family is asked for
a dowry for their daughters' marriage, they engage in begging. Un-married girls became mentally
ill as a result of their inability to pay the dowry and being tortured by their in-laws. The dowry

rules forbid poor people from marrying their daughters or keeping them at home. Furthermore,
they commit suicide to escape the misfortune and sorrow.
Following are the ways to eradicate Dowry from our Society
As the dowry culture has spread all over the country, and people have no other option instead of
fulfilling the demand of their daughter’s in-laws, we as developing society need to take efficient
steps to eradicate this practice. If now, we won’t stand against this culture. A time will come
when people will start to kill their daughters at birth, which is happening in rural area. Dowries
also compel poor families to take out high-interest loans, sell their land to raise funds, pledge to
pay dowries in instalments, and other scenarios that can result in crushing debt. Wealthy families
who demand larger dowries effectively bar poor families from requesting a marriage. Moreover
there will be many problems arising in future and at that moment it would be impossible to solve
those problems. So it’s time to stand against Dowry!
Some important ways to eliminate the practice of dowry are as following; Educate your
daughters. Making your daughter an educated girl will help her to get rid of this dowry practice.
As now she has been given education by her parents which will help her to manage work and
deal with people having old thoughts while she’s living with her in-laws. The bride and groom's
intention of receiving a dowry at the time of their marriage is to compensate for the groom's
employment, career, and wealth. Since female does not have the same social standing as a man,
the bride's education, profession, and wealth are completely ignored. Encourage un-married boys
to have their own career. If this happens so, these boys won’t look at what his wife is bringing
along with her after marriage. This would enable them to be independent and responsible. In this
way a good couple will be formed and a better understanding would be developed amongst them
leading to a happy successful life. In this way if boys start to understand this point. There would

be less problems in marriage in our society. Every parent’s aim is to do better up-bringing of
their children so they can be happy in their life, but they are some points which parents don’t
focus such as treating daughter equally and they forget to train daughters that how to face people
in life. Instead they only train sons for this. Treat them (your daughter) equally without any
discrimination. If we start treating our daughters equally, it will play a very vital role in
eradicating the dowry culture. Why? Because when daughters and sons are treated equally with
no favoritism from parents. Both get to understand their moral values and what is their current
position in society. When specially daughters get married, they understand how to cope up with
people who give them less importance and they also get to learn that they have a respect, which
should not be given to them according to the things (dowry) given to them. When a girl
understands this, she tries her best to make her position in in-laws family without the practice of
dowry. Discourage the practice of giving or taking dowry. A proper organization should set up to
spread the awareness of banning this dowry culture. Famous people, such as celebrities, public
figures, and bloggers should start a campaign to forbid the practice of giving or taking dowry. In
this way, people around the country will get to know the effects of dowry culture and slowly but
surely this practice can be eradicated from our Pakistani culture.
Details of a bride's dowry and gifts are also recorded in the marriage certificate in Pakistan.
Pakistan government should take immediate steps to put a stop to this practice. Recently, The
Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs has planned to end the dowry system. The new law,
however, does not totally prohibit dowry in the country. According to the new policy, the only
dowry that would be permitted is clothing for the bride. Bed sheets are also included in the gifts.
In the event of a divorce, the groom's family is responsible for returning all gifts and dowry to

the girl. But the fact is that, Dowry has not been illegal across Pakistan, and there has been no
recent legislation on the subject. Furthermore, dowry was outlawed in Bangladesh, a Muslim
nation, in 1980.The Government of Pakistan should completely take measures to ban this, and
otherwise passing the law only would not be adequate. The Pakistan’s government should also
prepare a helpline for those who are being forced to give dowry. They can place a penalty on
those who are demanding and receiving dowry. There is a punishment that if any person gives,
takes, or aids in the giving or taking of dowry after the commencement of this Act, he shall be
punished by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both. If
people are given such punishment, no one in our society would even have guts to demand
anything from bride’s family. In this case, no one will be pressurized especially bride’s family,
and a happy marriage will take place. For fulfilling of these steps, a government should ask
NGOs to have a proper check around the area near them where such practice is happening. If the
practice is happening, they should inform the nearest police station and a proper action should
take place.
Results of Finishing Dowry Culture
If these steps are fully followed and obeyed. There will a time people would live in a dowry-free
society. Women will not be killed and abused anymore. Child marriage would not take place, as
before the younger a girl is, the lower her dowry price will usually be, so to save money, families
marry off their daughters at young ages. The wrong perception that was paying school fees for a
girl was a waste of money because that investment will not be recouped by the family later in
life. But when a dowry-free society will setup people will invest more on education of their
daughter, and when she will grow up and start to earn money. People perception will definitely

change about girl’s education in society. The inequality caused by dowry will be put to a stop.
As the dowry system dehumanizes women by treating them as property goods that can be
exchanged. Moreover, the system also casts them as a burden, rather than an asset, to be passed
along a bride’s family pays the groom’s family for the cost of taking care of the bride. Moving
towards a dowry-free society, it will finish infanticide because women are viewed as a financial
burden on a family, many parents abort girls or allow them to die after birth. This leads to both to
the chronic undervaluing of women, and a huge gender disparity. Dowries were once intended to
help women gain some independence in their marriages. A bride's family will give her money as
a support, allowing her to have some influence over her decisions. Over time, the pattern evolved
into a culture that promotes husbands' superiority and wives' dependency. Placing a complete
ban on dowry will enable the women to enjoy economic independence as it is an essential tool to
end violence against women.
In last, Say no to dowries and extravagant weddings, and set a precedent for others to follow.
Encourage simple weddings that are full of love and true joy. Assist in the passage of anti-dowry
legislation in Pakistan. Always remember that when a gift becomes a demand, it is a form of
abuse. We have to make society believe in that, Marriage marks the start of a new phase in one's
life, and we should begin this phase without putting girls' parents under undue stress. Marriage is
a social contract that does not have any elements of greed or selfishness. Both parties should
treat each other with dignity and embark on this new adventure with love and sincerity. Don't ask
the other for anything you don't want for yourself.
Conclusion

It is concluded that dowry is a social immorality that must be outlawed in the region. It
contributes to the propagation of many disputes, quarrels, and greed in society. The findings of
this study indicate that Pakistanis are well aware of the dowry system and its heinous violations.
In today's society, dowry is practised by both love and arrange marriages, as well as educated
and illiterate people. Nonetheless, the public is opposed to the scheme. Furthermore, the pressure
of dowry has an emotional impact on children, and it has a negative impact on parents' self-
esteem. The most common motivation for dowry is greed. In comparison to the lower and middle
classes, the middle class is one of the most active in the dowry system. Furthermore, both the
youth and the government should work together to regulate this evil practice.
Recommendations:
-To broaden the scope of this study to all of Pakistan's provinces in order to generalize the
findings. At the same time, the sample size should be substantial. It is also suggested that data be
collected from both urban and rural areas.
-There should be non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to monitor this scheme.
-The government should outlaw this scheme in Pakistan for all classes.
-Every person has the right to marry, but dowry is a way of seizing that right. As a result, in
order to obtain their rights, youth should take a stance against this system. -Dowry is
increasingly becoming a civilization-wide custom. As a result, parents must avoid requesting
dowry.

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Appendix
Interview Questions
Q1 Why is dowry necessary when nowadays both genders can get equal opportunities in their
job?
Q2 What according to you are the reason people are readily willing to give dowry?
Q3 Is it possible that the mindset about dowry can somehow end?
Q4 Is dowry seen as a competition? And is it a way to show-off your wealth?
Q5 In your opinion, giving dowry means to ensure your daughter is safe and respectfully treated?
Survey Questions
Q1- Age*
◦ 15-25
◦ 25-35
◦ 35-50
◦ 50+
Q2- Gender*
◦ Male
◦ Female
◦ Other

Q3- What class of society you belong to?
◦ Lower Class
◦ Middle Class
◦ Elite Class
Q4- Monthly Income*
◦ 30k - 60 K
◦ 60k - 120 K
◦ 1 Million +
◦ Unemployed
Q5- Province*
◦ Punjab
◦ Sindh
◦ Baluchistan
◦ KPK
◦ GB
Q6- Are you in favour of dowry tradition?
◦ Yes
◦ No

Q7- Is dowry tradition a financial stress on you/family?
◦ Yes
◦ No
Q8- Do you think that the education effects one opinion about dowry?
◦ Yes it does
◦ Education has no effect on dowry
Q9- In your opinion where dowry system is practiced the most?
◦ Rural areas
◦ Urban areas
Q10- Did you receive or give dowry at your wedding?
◦ Yes
◦ Yes, because of the pressure of the society
◦ Yes, because of the pressure of the in laws
◦ No
Q11- Being a women do you think giving dowry secure your position in your marital family?
◦ Strongly Agree
◦ Agree
◦ Neutral
◦ Disagree

Q12- Do you think that the dowry system should be eliminated from our society?
◦ Yes
◦ No
Q13- What measures do you think the government can take to eliminate or reduce the dowry
system? Please give your opinion*
Q14- Being a women in Pakistan do you think that the law is enough to ensure that you are given
proper rights? Please give your opinion *