Domestic Violence Against Women from Dowry Perspective (An Assessment in Madheshi Community in Banke)

Abstract

This study entitled” DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN FROM DOWRY PERSPECTIVE” (AN ASSESSMENT IN MADHESHI COMMUNITY IN BANKE DISTRICT) was based on primary data collected in May, 2006. The main objective of the study is to analyze the existing situation of women and girls assess the existing dowry related violence in Madhise community in Banke District and the specific objectives are; to examine the socio- demographic backgrounds of the respondents, to examine and analyze the ways to accommodate for the reduction of the dowry related violence, and to hold the opinion regarding the dowry system reduction.

For the purpose of the study, the researcher had applied the social science research methodology. The study was held on both exploratory and descriptive research design. The sources of data were both primary and secondary and the natures were both qualitative and quantitative. It is not possible to take all so out of them 40 HH were selected on a sample random basis for the study.

The study was done on victim, adolescent girls and general women to know the domestic violence situation in 8 VDCs (Manikapur, Puraina, Puraini, Paraspur, Khaskarkado, Bankati, Piparawa and Basdevpur, in Banke District. From the study it was concluded that their knowledge on violence against girls and women is quite satisfactory but when it comes to reporting behavior, it is very low and unsatisfactory. The social structure of our country forces them to be shy and tolerant. Their tolerance, their depressed feelings and lack of confidence within themselves encourage the perpetrators who always eager to violate them.

The problem of domestic violence against women related dowry in Madhise Community has grown so terribly huge and has rooted up to the depth of this society that to prevent easily in just a click remains a fantasy. Majority of the cases are related with Dowry related violence is child marriage, a misplaced get rich quick mentality whereby dowries seen as the perfect instrument for upward material mobility, and culture and tradition are the major causes of domestic violence in that area that causes domestic violence. So, efforts should be done from the basic level by educating every people and make them aware. Slow, careful and effective efforts should be made first in house hold level, then in the society and then in the national level to gain a satisfactory progress against the dowry related domestic violence cases.

Dowry related domestic Violence is wide spread problem in Banke District in Madhise Community. Cultural, Economical and religious factors reinforce male dominance and female subservience so thoroughly that neither the domestic violence nor the failures to complain about it are unusual. By law, men inherit and control most property with the concomitant responsibility to support parents, wives and children. Illiteracy, Male dominance, Dependency, Cultural and religious factors are the main reason of DVAGW related dowry in Banke District.

To reduce dowry system, there must be stopped or punished the people who are taking and giving dowry forcefully, to follow the inter caste marriage system, pressure the government of Nepal to adopt a more proactive approach to the elimination of dowry system in Madhise community.