KATHMANDU: Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Thakur has announced that she will not participate in weddings involving dowry transactions, calling the practice a serious social evil and a punishable offense under law.
Her announcement came after noticing that recent wedding invitations she received did not explicitly mention “dowry-free marriage.” Speaking on social media, Thakur said. “It is socially unacceptable not only to give or take dowry but also to attend or participate in weddings based on such transactions. Such practices directly undermine women’s dignity, equality, and rights.”
Emphasizing that social change begins at the individual level, she said she would refrain from attending any wedding where dowry is involved. Thakur also urged families sending invitations to clearly state a dowry-free message.
“I earnestly request that wedding invitations explicitly mention ‘dowry-free marriage; giving or taking dowry is a social and legal offense,’” she said. “Let us all take concrete steps together to build a society free from dowry.”
Highlighting that even small personal steps can spark significant social change, Thakur encouraged everyone to promote marriages based on equality and cultural values.
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