Mizo women demand abolition of 'self-imposed' dowry

Aizawl, Apr 25 (UNI) The 16th general conference of the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), starting here today, discussed the 'self-imposed' dowry system in Mizoram.

MHIP, the state's largest women body, demanded the abolition of the system and minimisation of marriage expenditures.

''There was no dowry system in our society earlier. This is a self-imposed culture. If not controlled, this practice will soon turn into a major social menace like that in Hindu society,'' MHIP President B Sangkhumi told UNI.

Stating that the amendment to the Mizo Customary Law was unsatisfactory, the MHIP has submitted a proposal to the government to legalise the Mizo Inheritance and Succession Bill, Mizo Divorce Bill and Christian Marriage Bill.

According to Mizo Customary law, a female child has no inheritance rights. In the case of divorce too, Mizo women have no rights to claim family properties like their male counterparts, Ms Sangkhumi said.

The women body also demanded separate counters for female and senior citizens in all banks and equal wages for both male and female labourers in the state.

The MHIP today handed over certificates of honour to 33 women members of village council, who were elected during the last VC election.

The MHIP has decided to continue Women Empowerment Year till 2009.

UNI