Kathmandu, August 29

Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) today said that it documented a total of 24 dowry cases in the last six months (Feb/March –July/August).

A press statement issued here today by WOREC said that every month it makes the statistics of Violence Against Women (VAW) public. They are recorded in the organisation throughout the country with the sole concern to highlight the present status.

It said, “Dowry system is considered as one of the social evils and it is prevalent in all parts of the country and almost in all the countries of the world,” adding, “In Nepal many of the traditional customs have been discarded but the custom of dowry has not only continued but also has flourished over the years.”

It said that in due course dowry became an integral part of marriage and is generally accepted by the society as a necessarily evil.

It said that of the total dowry cases, 63 per cent of survivors belong to the age group 21-25 years, followed by 25 per cent of 16-20 years and 12 per cent of 11-15 years age groups.

“On the basis of the findings the relationship between the survivor and perpetrator, shows that highest number of husbands that is 67 per cent are alleged perpetrators. Similarly 33 per cent are family members,” reads the statement.

It further said that about 58 per cent of the survivors suffer from physical assault whereas 42 per cent undergo mental torture.

“Total eradication of dowry system is possible only when the mentality of the people will change,” it added.

It said that governments have come forward with better legislation, however, the evil system is being practised by the Tarai Community in an open manner, whereas even educated and the wealthy people give it in the name of gift to their daughters. Often it works as a secret deal between the bride’s and the groom’s families.

According to the statement, WOREC has been creating various awareness programmes regarding dowry.