Gunjan Tiwari (not her real name), a woman from India, has recently made headlines after launching a petition aimed at raising awareness and challenging the deeply-rooted dowry system in Indian society. Gunjan’s decision to initiate this campaign stems from her personal experiences of being rejected by numerous suitors solely due to dowry demands.
Gunjan recently shared her personal encounter with dowry-related rejection during an interview with the BBC. She recounted an incident from February when her father invited a prospective groom and his family to their home. As Gunjan entered the living room, carrying a tray of tea and snacks for the guests, she felt the weight of their scrutinizing gazes and described the moment as unnerving.
The meticulous planning involved in Gunjan’s appearance was a routine she had grown accustomed to, having repeated it six times over the past six years. Her mother had carefully selected a green outfit for her, believing it suited Gunjan exceptionally well. Gunjan’s mother had also advised her not to laugh to avoid drawing attention to her uneven teeth.
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Over the course of the past six years, Gunjan has revealed that her father has reached out to “families of 100-150 eligible bachelors” and engaged with over two dozen of them. Out of these encounters, Gunjan herself has been introduced to six prospective suitors. Unfortunately, nearly all of these potential matches have collapsed due to disagreements over dowry.
“Because of these rejections I have lost all my confidence,” says Gunjan.
Between 2017 and 2022, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau, a staggering number of 35,493 brides lost their lives in India due to the insidious practice of dowry – an alarming average of 20 women every day. These tragic incidents occurred when the dowry brought by the brides was deemed inadequate by their husbands and their families.
Gunjan’s courage in sharing her personal experiences and launching this petition has sparked a nationwide conversation about dowry practices and gender inequality. It has also highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reform and societal change.
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The campaign stands as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to challenge regressive practices and work towards building a society where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of their gender or financial background.
As Gunjan’s petition continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how her efforts and the collective voice of countless others will contribute to transforming age-old cultural norms and ensuring a more equitable future for women in India and beyond.
