Punjab Govt Funding Wedding Expenses or Dowry Culture?

Imagine living in a feudal state, where everything goes by the decade-old culture that exploits you in every way possible just to benefit a certain group, or well a certain gender to be precise. For many Pakistani women, this is a reality. Women live with these cultural practices and rituals every day. One example of such cultural practice is Dowry A.K.A Jahez (in Urdu).

The decade-old culture is coming again to the surface in Pakistan, not like it disappeared to start with. However, this time our government is promoting it too. Subtly

The Dhee Rani Programme

Launched under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Dhee Rani Programme aims to aid low income parents in fulfilling the socio-religious obligation of their daughter’s marriage in a dignified manner.

For this, eligible low-income brides will be given a dowry worth Rs206,000 including a wooden double bed with a mattress, mirror, dinner set etc. And a separate marriage gift of Rs100,000 disbursed through a debit card. Seems nice right? Well, we wished.

Despite its apparent sense of goodwill, the project has come under fire for indirectly promoting the vice of dowry, which is a major cause of women’s subordinated status in the country.

Instead of going after the goons and banning the concept of dowry along with proper checks and balances, the government is just paying off the people who ask for dowry. They are giving them exactly what they want and allowing an easy way out.

Apparently, paying the extorter solves the problem, or well, maybe gives them the idea that they should want more.

Read More: How to Register for Punjab’s Free Solar Panel Scheme

What is to Come After?

Try conversing with any destitute beneficiary of a welfare initiative, and just two minutes into the conversation they will highlight the fact that they have two, three or four unmarried daughters or sisters. It’s almost as if having unmarried female kin at home is solid evidence for the kind of financial strain they are facing. All thanks to the dowry culture.

After such a scheme, it will only be fueled. Don’t be surprised if parents are now asked to just opt for the scheme and fulfil the demands of the groom’s family, at all costs. Back to square one now, aren’t we?

According to many individuals, the Dhee Rani Programme is a regressive step that reinforces gender stereotypes.

“Instead of facilitating marriages, the government should invest in policies that empower girls through education, employment opportunities and financial independence. A more progressive approach would be to launch initiatives that support women entrepreneurs, provide scholarships for higher education and establish job training programmes to integrate women into the workforce. The Punjab government should reassess its priorities and redirect resources toward breaking societal barriers that hinder women’s progress,” said an executive.

Why Dowry Culture is Bad?

The dowry culture is one of the key factors that reinforces the perception of daughters as financial burdens. In the state we live in, many parents already see their daughters’ marriages as expensive obligations rather than joyful milestones. And hence, they wish for a boy instead.

Not only this but often the groom’s side of the family gets a chance to exploit the bride’s family just for their own personal needs.

According to a report published by the Guttmacher Institute, large demands for dowry and women’s low labour force participation in Pakistan, have instigated a widespread culture of son preference, where parents often view daughters as financial burdens, hoping instead to have sons. This often puts families into debt too.

It also increases the likelihood of child marriages, as parents try to ‘settle’ their daughters early to minimise the financial burden.

Battling Dowry Culture the Right Way

If a state actually wants to combat the dowry culture, instead of launching such patriarchal schemes they should try integrating anti-dowry messages. This must be done where masses can listen i.e. into sermons, Friday prayers and madrasa curriculums. They can also enforce legislative reforms that penalise dowry demands and encourage marriages based on mutual respect.

Challenging the dowry culture requires systemic efforts. These must include stricter enforcement of laws against dowry demands, awareness campaigns and promoting the economic participation of women to shift perceptions about their value in society.