KOCHI: Dowry handed over in the name of ‘gifts’ is one of the major reasons for women harassment, said Women’s Commission chairperson M C Josephine. “Most of these women have no control over the property or finances given as ‘gifts’. In many of the domestic dispute cases, these ‘gifts’ play a major role and the absence of the term ‘dowry’ certainly does not make the practice any less so,” she said while addressing media persons after the two-day mega adalat in the city.
“Surprisingly, even educated girls in the state don’t have a say in their marriage in most cases. Familial pressure drives them to agree to marriage. The wedding is decided based on what the family prefers. However, in a few months they are before the commission with complaints,” said Josephine.
The commission also spoke about the new Ordinance which will expand its jurisdiction. “It is expected to be presented as a bill in the next Assembly,” she said. A programme named ‘Kalalaya Jyoti’ is also being implemented by the commission. Through this, representatives of the commission will go to every college in the state and create awareness regarding cyber bullying and other forms of harassment faced by women. The whole expense of the events will be borne by the commission.
In each panchayat, programmes are organised to ensure home makers are also aware of their rights and rules. “The sad fact is women are not aware of their rights even now,” the commission observed.
The commission also spoke of the possibility of a regional centre at Kozhikode. “For women in the northern parts of the state, who are probably facing problems from their husbands or from their own household, coming to Thiruvananthapuram may not be a practical option. We want to be available to them at a more approachable distance,” said Josephine. “We are also organising pre-marital counselling now. Earlier, only the Christian community had this kind of a practice. We think this will benefit a couple in getting to know each other and we will be able to guide them through their marriage,” said commission member Shahida Kamal.
In the mega adalat, 110 complaints were heard of which 31 were sorted out. As many as 18 cases were referred for detailed reports from the police and other department heads. Six cases were sent for counselling, seven were forwarded to RPO and in 15 cases only one party appeared. 25 cases were postponed to the next adalat.