Islamabad :Dr Rakhshinda Perveen, founder of Fight against Dowry Advocacy Network (FADAN), has said that Pakistan needs a tough law against dowry like legislation existing in India and Bangladesh. Dr Rakhshinda was speaking at the second National Anti-Dowry Violence Day at Kafe Kaam, an entrepreneurship-enabler center dedicated to survivors of violence especially single mothers and women with disabilities here Friday. The gathering was attended by activists, representatives of CSOs including Ending Violence against Women and Girls Alliance (EVAWGA) and academicians. Dr Rakhshinda said that morning shows on TV channels should stop promoting lavish weddings and display of wealth, expensive clothes and jewelry that contribute institutionalisation of dowry that is yet to be established as harmful cultural tradition. Speaking on the occasion columnist Mazhar Barlas admitted that mainstream media does forget this important gender issue. Anbreen Ajaib, head of EVAWGA, showing solidarity with the cause highlighted the spectrum of dowry violence that includes mismatched and child marriages. Anila Rahim giving her personal opinion said that the issue should be taken in holistic manner and awareness should be generated in both men and women as men are also affected by the notorious custom not only as fathers and brothers but also as husbands. She said that arranging household items in some cases also delay marriages of males. Activist from Hazara community Fatima Atif said that vulvar is a form of violence against men who have to pay for the dowry and bride money. The participants endorsed the demand of FADAN for a law against dowry violence including vulvar. The meeting concluded that Pakistan is suffering from patriarchal and commercial interest consensus regarding dowry violence and a strong law and strong young men who reject the humiliating custom can end this violence. Answering a question, Dr Rakhshinda said that in collective marriages, dowry is still exhibited which is not good though facilitating marriages of poor girls is a desirable act.
