Jaya
After learning from VOICE that dowries are illegal, Jaya instructed her family
VOICE 4 GIRLS ‘Camper’
In India, even though dowries are illegal, many families still follow this tradition. This can be a great burden on the bride’s family since many are unable to pay large sums demanded by the groom’s family. This often leads to the woman being physically, sexually and emotionally abused by her husband or in-laws, or even killed.
Jaya, who studies in a government school in Telangana, explains that after attending her first VOICE camp and learning that dowries are illegal, she felt able to discuss this with her family.
“There have been quite a number of dowry deaths in my own village! I was so scared,” says Jaya. “I told my father that he shall not pay any dowry for my marriage. Giving or taking dowry is illegal and so I will complain against those who still practice it.”
This story is real. In accordance with Indian and Scottish regulations and recommendations, names and/or photos have been changed to protect identity and to respect confidentiality.
To find out more about other children like Jaya that VOICE 4 Girls and our other partners have helped, visit our Stories page here.
