Campaign Aims to Eradicate Dowry System and Reduce Violence Against Women in Nepal

A campaign titled ‘Mahila Shakti Jagaran Abhiyan’ has been formally launched in Nepal with the objective of eradicating the dowry system, reducing violence against women, and promoting gender equality.

The campaign, which was initiated on Sunday, aims to start a public debate on women’s rights, legal reforms, and social justice. It has also proposed a five-point ‘Kalika Law’ to control violence against women and eradicate the dowry system.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Umashankar, president of the Kalchism Research and Training Center, expressed concern over the increasing practice of dowry in Nepal’s Tarai region. He emphasized the need to end the dowry system, which has resulted in the loss of lives of thousands of young women.

Actress and activist Rekha Thapa, who also spoke at the event, pointed out that although the practice of sati has been eradicated in Nepal, women still face various forms of discrimination and violence. She lamented that despite the country’s progress in development and prosperity, women’s issues have been neglected.

Former Miss Nepal Usha Khadgi also spoke at the event, highlighting the lack of implementation of laws related to women’s rights despite their existence. The campaign organizers have appealed to the media and civil society to support their efforts to eradicate the dowry system within three years and make Nepal a global leader in this regard.