In the global fight for gender equality, the dowry system stands as a relic of the past, perpetuating gender discrimination in many Kenyan societies. Many women remain to bear the sting of being under male dominated society as they cling to the knot-tired string that not once, has witnessed the predicaments of many. Across cultures where this tradition, the consequences reverberate through families, perpetuating inequality and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Imagine a world where the dowry system ceases to exist—a world where gender discrimination in all its forms could finally be dismantled.
Could culture justify this? I would say yes if I were to live the past; centauries when dowry was instituted by a just society of men guided not by malicious thirst to ‘sit on their women properly’ but the urge of their intuitive brains and thankful hearts to accord the family of the bride appreciation. Don’t you think paying dowry for a woman typically appears like an exchange? Come to think of it, you must have heard of imperious dowry demands by parents. “My daughter is educated, she is religiously brought up…,” as such statements are made a man will always anticipate for dowry price not exceeding one million in a descending order of shillings. Will negotiation for the price come with no sense of toil for ownership? Definitely no. This practice not only places financial strain on families but also reinforces the perception of women as commodities to be traded in exchange for social status and financial security.
It is fascinating how culture sometimes can control us even without our awareness. There exists a lot of cultural pressures that come along from within self involuntarily. For instance, you might have heard a woman question her man why her bride price is not paid yet, when fellow women have their dowry paid. The feeling that they might become lesser women when their bride price is not paid, pushes them into questioning what on later time often cuff their hands.
I admire the American society particularly when it comes to marriages. American marriages are typically legal contracts between the two parties, each enjoying equal rights and with no discrimination at all. Do you think we are close to women social liberation as in the United States? It is true we have activists for women rights, non-governmental agencies that advocate for gender mainstreaming as well as awareness campaigns. Interestingly, however how much we educate and enlighten women even as early as from high school level, some of them still end up in the dark tunnel that has neither light in the entry nor the exit.
I am of the opinion that Kenyan communities should consider shedding the culture of paying of bride price. Culture is dynamic, it sheds off obsolete aspects and incorporates other new trends that people conform into as they come by. Change is inevitable it is like a fruit that detaches itself from a tree and it is at the verge of falling. Notable organizations have been to the forefront for legal advocacy for instance the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). The Kenya Women’s Political Caucus (KWPC), commits itself to increasing women participation and representation in political leadership.
By eliminating the dowry system, families would be freed from the financial constraints that often accompany marriage arrangements. Women, in particular, would benefit from increased economic empowerment, as resources previously allocated for dowries could be invested in their education, entrepreneurship endeavors, or other avenues for personal and professional development.
Suppose bride price system was to end, it would also foster healthier relationships based on mutual respect, love, and companionship rather than financial transactions. Couples can enter into marriages as equal partners, free from the burden of dowry negotiations and the power dynamics it often perpetuates within relationships. Moreover, by challenging entrenched social norms, promoting economic empowerment, and enacting legal protections, societies can create environments where women and men are afforded equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to their communities.
As we envision a future free from the shackles of gender inequality propagated by dowry system, let us recognize the pivotal role that ending the dowry system can play in realizing this vision. It is only through collective action and unwavering commitment that we can build a world where every individual, regardless of gender, is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their own potential.
The writer Eric Mutinda, is a Second Year Student Chuka University Pursuing Journalism and Mass Communication
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