Pre-Birth to Post-Marriage: The Life Cycle of Gender Discrimination and Female Feticide in India
Author:-
Priyam Mohan Kusundal
0225024
1. Banned by the law, practiced by the society: The study of factors associated with dowry Payments among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India
This 2021 study looks closely at the real experiences of 5,206 married adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, using data from the UDAYA survey to understand how common dowry still is. Even though the Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961, an overwhelming 86% of these young brides said dowry was paid at the time of their marriage. The study found that girls who knew their husbands before marriage were 48% less likely to face dowry demands. However, marrying at or above the legal age actually increased the chances of dowry by 60%. Surprisingly, girls from wealthier and more educated families were also more likely to give dowry, showing that financial progress alone cannot end this practice. The research highlights how deeply tradition shapes marriage customs and stresses that real change must go beyond laws to transform social attitudes.
2. Dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, Decision making power and associated Partner violence among married adolescent Girls: A cross-sectional analytical study in India
This research article explores the lived experiences of 4,893 married adolescent girls (15–19 years) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India, using UDAYA survey data to understand intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings show that 28.6% faced emotional abuse, 22.9% physical violence, 26.1% sexual violence, and 44% experienced at least one form. Dowry demands from in-laws made girls 3.66 times more likely to suffer violence (aOR 3.66, CI 3.06–4.37). Beliefs justifying wife-beating increased the risk 1.56 times (aOR 1.56, CI 1.28–1.90), while limited say in work or household purchases further raised vulnerability (aOR 1.34 and 1.37). In contrast, higher education and greater family wealth offered protection. The study calls for ending dowry practices, challenging harmful gender norms, and empowering young women.
3. Insight into Dowry Deaths: The Untold Stigma and Torment of a Social Evil
This cross-sectional study looked into 12 heartbreaking dowry-related deaths out of 225 female autopsies (ages 15–44) conducted at a medical facility in Jharkhand, India, between April 2021 and March 2022. Most of the women were young Hindu brides (83%), aged 16–26 years (average 22.5), largely from middle-class families and working as homemakers. Their marriages were mostly arranged, with dowry demands raised even before the wedding, and half of the deaths happened within just two years of marriage. Most cases were homicides (58%) rather than suicides (33%), with burns as the leading cause (42%), followed by stabbing (25%). These tragedies usually occurred at the husband’s or in-laws’ home at night, often involving spouses and in-laws. The study underscores the continued reality of dowry deaths in India, urging stronger law enforcement and meaningful social change.
4. Hinduism, marriage and mental illness
This article explores how Hindu beliefs, marriage traditions, and mental illness intersect in India, shaping women’s lives in complex ways. In Hindu culture, marriage is viewed as a sacred and lifelong bond tied to religious duty, where women are often expected to fulfill traditional roles as devoted wives and mothers. Over time, the dowry system—once meant as voluntary gifts—has become a source of pressure and coercion, sometimes leading to violence and even death. Women living with mental illness face intense stigma, rejection, and what the article calls a “triple tragedy” of gender bias, illness, and marital expectations. Although laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act exist, social norms frequently outweigh legal safeguards. The “Indian paradox” shows families still arranging such marriages, hiding illness, and women choosing reconciliation over separation.
5. Domestic violence in Indian women: lessons From nearly 20 years of surveillance
This study closely reviews nearly 20 years (2001–2018) of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to better understand the reality of domestic violence faced by women in India. It looks at four major categories of crimes: cruelty by husbands or relatives, dowry deaths, abetment to suicide, and cases filed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA). The findings reveal that reported cases of cruelty rose by 53% across the country, though trends differed widely between states, while dowry deaths declined slightly. In several states, abetment to suicide remained deeply concerning. Over time, arrest rates per case fell, few cases reached trial, and conviction rates stayed low. The study also points to underreporting and gaps in data, stressing the urgent need for stronger monitoring and more reliable information.
6. Suicide in Married Women: An Autopsy Study
This study takes a closer look at nearly two decades (2001–2018) of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data to understand the lived realities behind domestic violence against women in India. It explores key categories such as cruelty by husbands or relatives, dowry deaths, abetment to suicide, and cases filed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA). The findings reveal a troubling rise in reported cruelty cases, with noticeable differences across states, while dowry deaths showed only a slight decline over time. In many regions, abetment to suicide continued to be a grave concern. The study also points to falling arrest rates, few cases reaching trial, and low conviction outcomes. It highlights ongoing underreporting and limited transparency, stressing the urgent need for better monitoring and stronger data systems to guide meaningful policies.
7. Female feticide in India: Issues and concerns
The article highlights the painful reality of female feticide in India, rooted in long-standing son preference and gender discrimination. Although women were once honored in ancient scriptures, their social position has gradually weakened, giving rise to harmful practices such as female infanticide and, in recent years, sex-selective abortions enabled by technologies like ultrasound. Census figures reveal a worrying drop in the child sex ratio, particularly in states such as Haryana and Punjab. Contributing factors include dowry pressures, economic reliance on sons, patriarchal values, and the misuse of medical advancements. While the Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act prohibits sex determination, poor enforcement and low conviction rates reduce its impact. The article calls for stricter implementation of laws, greater empowerment of women, stronger awareness efforts, and collective responsibility from medical professionals and communities.
8. Assessing the Extent of Domestic Violence against Indian Women after the Implementation Of the Domestic Violence Act of India, 2005
The article highlights the ongoing problem of dowry-related violence and deaths in India, rooted in deep patriarchy and gender inequality. What was once meant to be voluntary gifts has become a system of forced demands, often leading to harassment, abuse, and even the death of married women. Although laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act exist, weak enforcement and low conviction rates reduce their effectiveness. Social pressures such as son preference, financial expectations, and rigid traditions continue to fuel the practice. The article stresses that beyond legal measures, real change requires awareness, women’s empowerment, education, and a shift in societal attitudes to protect women’s dignity and rights.
9. Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Prevalence of complaints related to violence Against women in India – A cross-sectional comparative research study from 2014 to 2022?
The article brings attention to the painful reality of dowry harassment and deaths in India, showing that the practice continues despite being illegal. What was once seen as voluntary gifts has turned into heavy financial demands on the bride’s family, often leading to emotional abuse, violence, and sometimes tragic deaths. Although laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act and Sections 498A and 304B of the IPC exist, weak enforcement, long court delays, and low conviction rates reduce their impact. Deep-rooted patriarchy, women’s economic dependence, and social pressure to marry daughters further fuel the issue. The article stresses that ending dowry violence requires not just stronger laws, but greater awareness, education, and true empowerment of women.
10. Harassment and abuse of Indian women on dating Apps: a narrative review of literature on technology facilitated Violence against women and dating App use
The article looks at dowry as an ongoing social evil in India, tracing how a tradition that once involved voluntary gifts for newlyweds has turned into a system of pressure and exploitation. Today, dowry often means heavy financial demands on the bride’s family, leading to harassment, abuse, and in some tragic cases, the death of young women. Although laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act and provisions under the Indian Penal Code aim to stop this practice, weak enforcement and low conviction rates limit their impact. The article explains how deep-rooted patriarchy, social expectations, and greed continue to sustain dowry. It concludes that real change will require not only stronger laws, but also awareness, education, women’s empowerment, and a collective shift in societal attitudes.
CONCLUSION
Taken together, these studies tell a powerful and painful story about the everyday realities many women and girls in India still endure. Despite decades of laws banning dowry and protecting women, harmful practices continue to shape marriages and family life. Young brides are still pressured into dowry arrangements, many face violence within their homes, and some tragically lose their lives. Women living with mental illness often experience rejection and stigma, while the preference for sons continues to affect even unborn girls.
National crime data shows that reports of cruelty are rising, yet justice is often delayed or denied due to weak enforcement and low conviction rates. At the same time, there are signs of hope—education, financial independence, and supportive environments can reduce vulnerability and empower women.
Real change will not come from laws alone. It requires compassion, awareness, community responsibility, and a genuine shift in mindset. When society truly values daughters as much as sons, meaningful and lasting transformation becomes possible.
References
Adams A, Lea SG, D’Silva EM (2021) Digital Technologies and Interventions Against Gender-Based Violence in Rural Areas. Int Crim Justice Rev31(4):438–455. https://doi.org/10.1177/10575677211040413
Ajah, L. O., Iyoke, C. A., Nkwo, P. O., Nwakoby, B., & Ezeonu, P. (2014). Comparison of Domestic violence against women in urban versus rural areas of southeast Nigeria. International Journal of Women’s Health, 6, 865. Bride burning: a heinous crime. J Ind Acad Forensic Med; Prajapati, P; Sheikh, MI; Patel, R. Pp. 89-91.33, 2011; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277204149_Bride_burning_A_heinous_crime
Conteh JA. Dowry and Bride-Price. The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies. American Cancer Society; 2016. Pp. 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118663219.wbegss548
Female foeticide in India. C2007. Available from http://www.unicef.org/india/media_3285.htm. [cited on 2008 Jun 26]
Nambi S. Marriage, mental health and the Indian Legislation. Presidential Address. Indian J Psychiatry 2005;47:3‑14.
Suicide in the World: Global Health Estimates . (2019). Accessed: 10 June 2023:
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/326948.
THE UNITED NATIONS WORK ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN – Available at https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/news/unwvaw.html
United Nations: Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; 2015.
WHO. Preventing intimate partner and sexual violence against women: Taking action and generating evidence. Geneva, Switzerland, 2010.
World Health Organization. Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018: global, regional and national prevalence estimates for intimate partner violence against women and global and regional prevalence estimates for non-partner sexual violence against women. Geneva: WHO; 2021.