Saturday, March 7, 2009
Dowried Lives
Today's Daily Star (p.14 of National news) has a poignant story of a young girl named Lucky who is hospitalized because her husband and his family 'poured combustible liquid over her body' in a dispute over dowry. These forms of domestic abuse generated by dowry are frequent occurences in Bangladesh irrespective of the strides achieved in female empowerment. One of the major driving factors behind such crimes taking place continuously is the lack of adequate punishment and consequences meted out to the husband and his family. The perpetrators of these crimes need to be sufficiently punished, thereby, deterring future similar abuses. As it remains many cases similar to Lucky never make it to the papers because the victim and her family are oftentimes too sacred and shamed to voice their greivances. As a result, the criminals never have to pay for their crimes. Social policies have to be implemented where domestic abuses against females need to be properly addressed. There must be penalties like prison terms and financial fines placed upon perpetrators of these abuses. Females must be educated as to the different types of domestic abuse, so that they can recognize it and seek help when attacked. Furthermore, shelters specifically targeting abused females need to be opened in order to accomodate, counsel, and ensure that females dont end up maimed, murdered, or worse. Unless these measures are undertaken, people like Lucky will never be safe from the malicious intents of their male counterparts.
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3 comments:
When you hear of stories like this, you wonder what's the point of celebrating Women's Day? Sadly, such stories do abound and there's no excuse for them in 2009. However, I have long learned the hard way that instead of waiting for the government or any "policy making committee" to do something about it, we each have to do our bit. For me, that means encouraging the school cleaning woman to keep a portion of her salary in her own savings account every month. And persuading the house guard not to marry off his 16 year old daughter by paying for her continued education. As women, we must look around in our own backyards and help each other. Little drops make an ocean.
Wow, Muna apu, that is so admirable of you. I agree with you that if we all looked around we will find ways to better the lives of the females who make up our daily milieus.
Tisa I loved this article. I interned at the Acid SUrvivors Foundation right after I came back to Dhaka. Its a great organization and you would be pleased to know that almost all incidents of Acid violence get reported... sadly its the steps that follow or rather should be followed, is what we should be concerned about. ASF is a fantastic organization and if I was emotionally stronger, I would still be working there! Let me know if you'd like me to take you there someday soon!
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