KATHMANDU, April 16: Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari Thakur has called on citizens to explicitly mention “dowry-free marriage” in wedding invitation cards, saying it would send a strong social message against the practice of dowry.
She said she has recently received several wedding invitations, but most of them do not include any reference to dowry-free marriages, indicating that society has not yet fully moved away from the practice.
“This shows our society is still not completely free from the harmful tradition of dowry,” she said, adding that the issue reflects a continuing social challenge.
Deputy Speaker Ruby Thakur assumes office
Thakur stressed that dowry is not only about giving or taking money or goods during marriage but also about accepting, attending, or supporting events linked to such exchanges. She said such practices undermine women’s dignity, equality, and rights and are socially unacceptable and legally punishable.
She urged people to take responsibility for change at the individual level, saying small steps can lead to broader social transformation.
“If we truly want to change society and build a better country, the change must start from ourselves. Even small actions can bring big social transformation,” she said.
She also clarified that she would not attend weddings involving dowry transactions and appealed to promote “dowry-free, equal and dignified marriages.”
The Thakur further requested that wedding invitations include a clear message stating that dowry practices are a social and legal offense and called for collective efforts to build a dowry-free society.
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