Rethinking International Volunteering

 

Rethinking International Volunteering: Should Universities Expect Grassroots NGOs in Developing Countries to Host International Volunteers Free of Charge?

By Gaurav Kashyap
Managing Director, HEEALS (Health Education Environment and Livelihood Society), India

 

International Volunteering Is Meant to Build Global Citizenship—Not Financial Burdens for Grassroots NGOs

Every year, universities across the United Kingdom and Europe encourage thousands of students to volunteer internationally. These experiences are promoted as opportunities to develop leadership, intercultural understanding, professional skills, and a deeper appreciation of global challenges while contributing to communities around the world.

It is a commendable objective.

However, there is a fundamental question that is rarely discussed:

Is it fair to expect grassroots NGOs in developing countries to provide free accommodation, food, transportation, supervision, and project management for international volunteers simply because they are "volunteers"?

Many universities have policies under which volunteer opportunities advertised through their careers or volunteering services are expected to be unpaid and, in many cases, only allow volunteers to be reimbursed for reasonable expenses rather than paying programme fees. These policies are understandable in their domestic context, where volunteering is often local and organizations may have access to public funding or established volunteer infrastructures.

But when these same expectations are applied to international volunteering in developing countries, they can unintentionally exclude the very grassroots organizations that are creating the greatest social impact.

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The Reality of Grassroots NGOs

Across India, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and many other developing nations, thousands of local NGOs work every day in communities facing poverty, poor sanitation, gender inequality, inadequate healthcare, climate vulnerability, and limited educational opportunities.

Unlike large international organizations, grassroots NGOs generally:

• operate with very limited budgets;
• rely on small donations and project-based grants;
• receive little unrestricted funding;
• employ small teams;
• prioritize spending on community programmes rather than administrative overhead.

These organizations are not businesses.

Nor are they wealthy institutions.

Their limited financial resources are dedicated to serving vulnerable communities.

 

Hosting International Volunteers Is Not Free

There is a widespread misconception that volunteers cost organizations nothing.

The reality is very different.

Hosting one international volunteer often requires:

• airport pickup and drop-off;
• safe accommodation;
• three daily meals;
• local transportation;
• orientation programmes;
• cultural briefings;
• project supervision;
• staff mentoring;
• administrative coordination;
• office facilities;
• field visits;
• emergency support;
• safeguarding measures;
• monitoring and evaluation.

Every volunteer requires planning, staff time, logistical support, and financial investment.

For many grassroots NGOs, these costs are substantial.

 

Who Should Bear These Costs?

This is perhaps the most important question.

Should a small community-based NGO in rural India, already struggling to fund education programmes for disadvantaged children, also finance the accommodation and meals of international volunteers arriving from some of the world's wealthiest economies?

Should organizations serving vulnerable communities divert funds intended for women, children, health programmes, or sanitation projects simply to ensure that volunteers pay nothing?

Most people would agree that this expectation is difficult to justify.

 

International Volunteers Also Benefit

Volunteering is often portrayed as an act of giving.

It certainly is.

But it is equally an opportunity for learning.

Students gain:

• international work experience;
• intercultural competence;
• practical field skills;
• research opportunities;
• professional development;
• academic credits in some programmes;
• leadership experience;
• enhanced employability.

For many graduates, international volunteering significantly strengthens their CV and opens future career opportunities.

This means volunteering is not a one-sided relationship.

It creates value for both the community and the volunteer.

Recognising this mutual benefit makes it reasonable for participants to contribute towards the actual costs of their stay.

 

Paying Universities Is Accepted—Why Not Supporting Grassroots NGOs?

Every year, students willingly invest significant sums in:

• university tuition;
• study abroad programmes;
• international field schools;
• exchange programmes;
• educational tours;
• language courses;
• professional training.

These expenses are accepted because students understand they are investing in their education and future.

Yet when a grassroots NGO requests a transparent contribution towards accommodation, meals, transportation, and supervision, the opportunity is sometimes viewed differently.

This creates an inconsistency.

Students may spend thousands of pounds on international education but are discouraged from contributing a modest amount that directly supports the organization hosting them.

 

Programme Fees Are Often Cost Recovery, Not Profit

Another misconception is that NGOs charging programme fees are operating commercially.

For most grassroots organizations, programme contributions simply cover:

• accommodation;
• meals;
• local transport;
• volunteer coordination;
• supervision;
• community activities;
• safety;
• administration.

In many cases, these contributions also help sustain community programmes that would otherwise struggle due to insufficient funding.

They are not profits.

They are operational necessities.

 

Universities Should Distinguish Between Commercial Voluntourism and Grassroots NGOs

Universities are right to protect students from exploitative practices.

Commercial "voluntourism" has rightly received criticism where organizations prioritize profit over community benefit.

However, there is a significant difference between commercial enterprises and registered grassroots NGOs that transparently explain their programme costs and demonstrate measurable social impact.

Treating both in the same way risks excluding genuine organizations that are creating meaningful change in underserved communities.

A more nuanced approach would better serve both students and communities.

 

Let Students Make Informed Choices

Universities exist to educate, empower, and encourage critical thinking.

Rather than deciding in advance which opportunities students may or may not consider based solely on programme fees, universities could provide transparent information and allow students to make informed decisions.

If an NGO clearly explains:

• what the programme involves;
• what costs are included;
• how the funds are used;
• how volunteers will be supported;
• the expected learning outcomes;

students should be trusted to decide whether the opportunity aligns with their goals and financial circumstances.

Transparency should be the standard—not automatic exclusion.

 

Supporting the Principle of Localization

The international development community increasingly emphasizes localization—recognizing that local organizations are best placed to understand community needs and deliver sustainable solutions.

Governments, donors, and international agencies frequently speak about strengthening local leadership and increasing direct support for community-based organizations.

Yet if university policies effectively prevent students from even seeing opportunities offered by grassroots NGOs because those organizations cannot subsidize volunteers, this unintentionally undermines the very principle of localization.

Supporting local organizations means recognising their realities—not expecting them to operate with the resources of international institutions.

 

A More Equitable Partnership Model

Instead of excluding organizations that request reasonable programme contributions, universities could adopt a more balanced approach.

Volunteer opportunities could be promoted provided that:

• organizations are legally registered;
• safeguarding standards are met;
• programme fees are transparent;
• costs reflect genuine operational expenses;
• learning outcomes are clearly defined.

Universities could also:

• offer bursaries or travel scholarships;
• encourage ethical international volunteering;
• educate students about the financial realities of grassroots organizations;
• build long-term partnerships with trusted NGOs.

Such an approach benefits everyone.

Students gain meaningful international experiences.

Communities continue receiving valuable support.

Grassroots organizations remain financially sustainable.

 

International Volunteering Should Be Based on Partnership, Not Charity

Perhaps the most important shift is philosophical.

International volunteering should not be viewed as wealthy countries "helping" poorer countries.

Instead, it should be understood as a partnership built on mutual learning, shared responsibility, and respect.

Grassroots NGOs provide knowledge, experience, community trust, and opportunities for learning that cannot be replicated in a classroom.

International volunteers bring enthusiasm, skills, fresh perspectives, and intercultural exchange.

Both sides contribute.

Both sides benefit.

Therefore, both sides should share responsibility for making these programmes sustainable.

 

Conclusion

International volunteering has enormous potential to promote global citizenship, empathy, and sustainable development.

But for this potential to be realised, policies must reflect the realities of those working closest to vulnerable communities.

Grassroots NGOs in developing countries are not luxury institutions.

They are mission-driven organizations operating with limited resources while addressing some of the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges.

Expecting them to finance accommodation, meals, transportation, supervision, and programme management for international volunteers is often unrealistic and inequitable.

Universities should continue protecting students from exploitation—but they should also recognise the legitimate costs faced by ethical, community-based organizations.

Rather than excluding opportunities that involve reasonable programme contributions, universities should promote transparency, informed choice, and equitable partnerships.

International volunteering should empower both students and host communities. Achieving that goal requires moving beyond the assumption that every volunteer placement must be free for participants and instead embracing a model based on shared responsibility, mutual respect, and sustainable collaboration.

 

Author's Note

This article is not an argument against unpaid volunteering or student protection policies. Rather, it is a call to recognize the financial realities faced by grassroots organizations in low- and middle-income countries. Ethical international volunteering depends on transparency, accountability, and fairness for all stakeholders—including the local organizations that make these transformative experiences possible.

Bullying in India: Understanding a Hidden Crisis

 

Bullying in India: Understanding a Hidden Crisis

Bullying is a significant but often underreported problem in India, affecting the well-being, education, and mental health of many children and adolescents. Research conducted across different regions of the country suggests that approximately one-third of school students experience some form of bullying, although reported prevalence varies depending on the study, age group, and location.

Bullying can occur in schools, colleges, online platforms, neighborhoods, and other social settings. It commonly includes verbal abuse, physical aggression, social exclusion, intimidation, spreading rumors, and cyberbullying.

Common Forms of Bullying

• Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, mocking, insults, and spreading rumors are among the most commonly reported forms of bullying in Indian schools.
• Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, kicking, damaging belongings, or other forms of physical aggression.
• Social or Relational Bullying: Deliberately excluding someone from groups, friendships, or activities, or encouraging others to isolate them.
• Cyberbullying: Harassment, threats, impersonation, or sharing harmful content through social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, or other digital spaces.

Factors That Contribute to Bullying

Bullying is influenced by multiple social, psychological, and environmental factors rather than a single cause. Some contributing factors include:

• Intense academic competition and pressure to perform.
• Lack of social-emotional learning and conflict-resolution education.
• Poor school climate and inadequate supervision.
• Discrimination based on appearance, gender, disability, caste, religion, language, socioeconomic background, or other personal characteristics.
• Exposure to violence or aggressive behavior at home, in school, or through media.
• Limited awareness among students, parents, and educators about recognizing and responding to bullying.

The Role of Schools

Research indicates that students are more likely to report bullying when schools have supportive teachers, clear anti-bullying policies, and effective reporting mechanisms. Creating a safe and inclusive school environment requires:

• Promoting respect, empathy, and inclusion.
• Encouraging students to report bullying without fear of retaliation.
• Training teachers to identify and respond appropriately to bullying.
• Providing counseling and mental health support for both victims and those exhibiting bullying behavior.
• Engaging parents and communities in prevention efforts.

Legal and Policy Framework in India

India does not currently have a single comprehensive national anti-bullying law specifically for primary and secondary schools.

However, students are protected through various constitutional provisions, child protection laws, educational guidelines, and criminal laws where bullying involves offences such as assault, criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, stalking, or other forms of abuse.

In higher educational institutions, anti-ragging regulations issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) require colleges and universities to prevent, monitor, and take action against ragging.

Cyberbullying and online harassment may be addressed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, depending on the nature of the offence.

Moving Forward

Preventing bullying requires a whole-school and community approach. Students, teachers, parents, school leaders, policymakers, and communities all play an important role in creating environments where every child feels safe, respected, and valued. Building empathy, encouraging open communication, strengthening mental health support, and implementing effective prevention programs are essential steps toward reducing bullying and promoting healthy learning environments.

 

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026

 🌸

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 🌸

Theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
Menstruation is natural, yet millions of girls and women still face stigma, shame, lack of education, and limited access to safe menstrual products and sanitation facilities.
A #PeriodFriendlyWorld means creating a society where no girl misses school because of her period, no woman feels ashamed of her body, and everyone has access to dignity, awareness, hygiene, and support. 💜
Ending period stigma begins with conversation, education, compassion, and equality. Together, we can build communities where menstruation is treated with understanding — not silence.
We are deeply grateful to Chiara for supporting sanitary pad distribution and standing with us for menstrual dignity. Special thanks to Lola, our dedicated team member, for coordinating this meaningful initiative with care and compassion.
We also sincerely thank Karen, our special guest from France, for sharing her valuable thoughts and insights on the importance of menstrual hygiene awareness and women’s health.
Heartfelt appreciation to the school staff, teachers, community women, and children who actively participated in Menstrual Hygiene Day and helped create a safe and open space for awareness, learning, and empowerment. 🌿

Periods are not a taboo. They are a natural part of life, health, and womanhood. Let us create a world where every girl and woman can menstruate with dignity and confidence. 💜
#MenstrualHygieneDay #PeriodFriendlyWorld #BreakTheStigma #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality

Humanity has pushed the Earth beyond its Safe Operating Space.

 

Humanity has pushed the Earth beyond its Safe Operating Space.

The planet’s natural resilience — the ability of Earth’s systems to absorb shocks and remain stable — is weakening rapidly. Global warming is accelerating, biodiversity is collapsing, forests and oceans are under immense pressure, and ecosystems across the world are showing clear signs of degradation. Scientists are also warning of emerging tipping points in critical Earth systems that could trigger abrupt and irreversible environmental changes. 

We have entered the Anthropocene — an era in which human activity has become the dominant force shaping the Earth system. Industrialization, deforestation, fossil fuel dependence, pollution, overconsumption, and unsustainable development are now altering the very foundations that support life on this planet.

To understand these risks, scientists developed the Planetary Boundaries framework — one of the most important scientific models for defining the safe environmental limits within which humanity can continue to thrive. The framework combines decades of research across climate science, ecology, Earth systems, oceanography, biodiversity, and environmental change.

Planetary boundaries are scientifically defined guardrails that identify the safe limits for human pressure on nine critical Earth system processes. These boundaries are essential for maintaining the Earth’s resilience, stability, and ability to support human civilization.

If humanity remains within these boundaries, the Earth can continue to function as a stable and dependable home for present and future generations. But if these boundaries are crossed, we risk destabilizing the planet’s life-support systems and triggering large-scale irreversible damage.

Today, seven out of the nine planetary boundaries have already been transgressed.

These include:

·         Climate change

·         Biodiversity loss

·         Land-system change

·         Freshwater disruption

·         Biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus imbalance)

·         Novel entities and chemical pollution

·         Ocean acidification

The 2025 Planetary Health Check — a yearly scientific assessment of the Earth’s condition — confirmed for the first time that Ocean Acidification has become the seventh breached planetary boundary. This highlights the critical role oceans play in regulating climate, absorbing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining global ecological balance.

The planetary boundaries are deeply interconnected. Damage to one system directly affects others. Climate change influences biodiversity collapse, deforestation disrupts water cycles, pollution damages ecosystems and human health, and ocean degradation accelerates climate instability. None of these crises can be addressed in isolation.

Crossing planetary boundaries does not always produce immediate catastrophe, but it significantly increases the risk of large-scale environmental disruption, social instability, food insecurity, water shortages, economic crises, forced migration, and public health emergencies. Together, these boundaries represent a critical threshold for the future of human societies and the biosphere of which humanity is a part.

The planetary boundaries framework was first proposed in 2009 by 28 internationally renowned scientists led by Johan Rockström. In 2023, for the first time, all nine planetary boundaries were fully assessed together, revealing the scale of humanity’s ecological overshoot.

The message from science is clear: humanity cannot continue treating the Earth as an unlimited resource. Economic systems, political decisions, industrial growth, agriculture, urbanization, and consumption patterns must operate within ecological limits.

Protecting planetary boundaries is not only an environmental responsibility — it is a moral responsibility toward future generations.

The Earth is resilient, but it is not limitless.
If humanity truly wishes to preserve a livable future, we must urgently transform how we produce, consume, govern, and coexist with nature.

The future of civilization depends on whether we choose to act now.

Source : https://www.planetaryhealthcheck.org/

 

Our Planetary Boundaries Are Breaking

 

Our Planetary Boundaries Are Breaking: Why Political Inaction Threatens Humanity’s Future- by Gaurav

Climate change is no longer a distant warning from scientists. It is already affecting millions of people through extreme heatwaves, floods, droughts, crop failures, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and declining public health. Yet despite overwhelming scientific evidence, many political leaders around the world continue to delay meaningful climate action or openly question the seriousness of the crisis.

According to leading Earth system scientists, humanity has already crossed 7 of the 9 planetary boundaries — critical environmental limits that help keep the Earth stable and capable of supporting human civilization. These include climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater disruption, land-system change, chemical pollution, and nitrogen-phosphorus imbalance. Crossing these boundaries increases the risk of irreversible ecological collapse.

The greatest threat to future generations may not come from science fiction scenarios such as asteroid strikes or alien invasions, but from human decisions, political inaction, unsustainable development models, and the refusal to act responsibly on climate change.

Why Climate Policy Matters

Climate change is not just an environmental issue. It is connected to:

• Public health
• Food security
• Water availability
• Economic stability
• Migration
• Mental health
• Social inequality

When governments fail to act, ordinary people suffer the consequences — especially vulnerable communities, farmers, women, children, and low-income populations who contribute the least to the crisis yet experience its harshest effects.

Many governments continue to prioritize short-term economic growth, political image-building, and industrial expansion over long-term ecological sustainability. Climate policies often remain weak, poorly implemented, or disconnected from grassroots realities.

The Need for Stronger Climate Leadership in India

India has made several commitments toward renewable energy, electric mobility, solar expansion, and international climate cooperation. However, large gaps still exist between policy announcements and implementation at the grassroots level.

Climate awareness among the general public remains limited. Environmental education, sustainable lifestyle campaigns, and community-based climate action programs are still insufficient in many parts of the country.

Greater involvement of grassroots NGOs, civil society organizations, local communities, and educational institutions is essential for effective implementation of climate policies. Community participation increases transparency, reduces corruption risks, and ensures that environmental programs reach the people most affected.

Rethinking Political and Public Practices

Governments across the world — including India — must also lead by example.

Questions must be raised about:

• Excessive political motorcades and fuel-intensive travel
• Frequent large-scale events involving massive transportation emissions
• High public spending on symbolic displays of power
• Unnecessary international travel when virtual diplomacy is possible

Public leadership should reflect environmental responsibility. Sustainable governance includes reducing unnecessary emissions, promoting public transport, encouraging digital meetings when appropriate, and investing public money in long-term social infrastructure.

Investing in What Truly Matters

Instead of excessive spending on image-building events, greater investment should be directed toward:

• Climate-resilient government schools
• Sustainable public hospitals
• Green public infrastructure
• Clean water systems
• Renewable energy access
• Ecological restoration projects

Citizens should not have to choose between environmental sustainability and quality public services. Governments must ensure both.

Agriculture, Land Use, and Sustainability

Agricultural land is increasingly being diverted for commercial real estate, mega infrastructure projects, airports, and industrial expansion. While development is important, unchecked conversion of fertile agricultural land can have long-term environmental and food security consequences.

Sustainable land-use planning is essential.

Large-scale commercialization of agriculture also raises concerns regarding:

• Excessive pesticide and fertilizer use
• Soil degradation
• Water depletion
• Dependence on hybrid seed systems
• Loss of livelihood for small and marginal farmers

Instead of concentrating agricultural control in large corporations, policies should support small farmers, sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and ecological farming methods.

A Shared Global Responsibility

Climate change does not recognize borders, religions, or political ideologies. The emissions of one nation affect the entire planet. Every government, corporation, institution, and citizen shares responsibility.

The question is no longer whether climate change is real. The question is whether humanity will act quickly enough.

Future generations will inherit the consequences of today’s policies. The decisions made by political leaders today will shape the safety, stability, and survival of tomorrow’s world.

Act Now for Future Generations

Protecting planetary boundaries is not only an environmental responsibility — it is a moral responsibility.

Humanity still has time to reduce damage, restore ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future. But meaningful action requires courage, honesty, scientific responsibility, and global cooperation.

The time for symbolic promises has passed.

The world needs action now.

 

Dowry deeply reinforces gender inequality in India

Dowry deeply reinforces gender inequality in India because it treats women as an economic burden rather than equal human beings. Although dowry is legally prohibited under the Dowry Prohibition Act, the practice still affects millions of families socially and psychologically.

Here are some major ways dowry impacts gender inequality:
Girls Are Seen as Financial Burdens.
In many families, raising a daughter is associated with future marriage expenses and dowry demands. This can lead to:
• Preference for sons over daughters
• Less investment in girls’ education
• Early marriage pressure
• Emotional discrimination within families
2. Women Face Violence and Harassment
Dowry demands often continue even after marriage. Women may experience:
• Emotional abuse
• Domestic violence
• Threats and humiliation
• Financial control
• Dowry-related deaths or suicides
This creates fear and power imbalance in marriages.
3. Limits Women’s Independence
Many women stay in abusive relationships because they:
• Depend financially on their husband’s family
• Fear social stigma after separation
• Lack emotional or legal support
• Worry about their children’s future
Dowry culture strengthens male dominance and weakens women’s autonomy.
4. Impacts Mental Health
Psychologically, dowry pressure can cause:
• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-worth
• Trauma and chronic stress
• Feelings of shame and helplessness
Women may begin to internalize the belief that their value depends on money or material gifts.
5. Reinforces Patriarchal Thinking
Dowry is connected to deeper gender stereotypes such as:
• Men being “providers”
• Women needing to “adjust”
• Marriage being a transaction
• Sons carrying more social value than daughters
This prevents true equality in relationships and society.
How Can Society Prevent It?
• Equal education for girls and boys
• Financial independence for women
• Mental health awareness
• Strong legal support systems
• Community discussions on gender equality
• Encouraging marriages without dowry
• Teaching respect, consent, and emotional intelligence from childhood
Real social change begins when women are valued for their humanity, not for what they bring into a marriage. 

Dowry-Death: When Marriage Becomes a Death Sentence

 

Dowry-Death: When Marriage Becomes a Death Sentence

An article by Lola Radix - May 12th, 2026

 

On August 21, 2025, Nikki Bathi, 28 years old, was burned alive in Sirsa, Uttar Pradesh. Married for nine years, she had endured relentless harassment over dowry demands from her husband and his family. Her parents had always complied, until the very last demand, which they simply could not meet (Chowdhury 2025).

 

Picture of a women being interviewed about her experience with the dowry system (Credits: Lola Radix)

Nikki’s killers did not act in a vacuum, they acted within a system that always victimizes, and in the worst cases murders women.

Every day in India, approximately 20 women die because of dowry (Chowdhury 2025). Between 2017 and 2022, 35,493 women were killed in dowry-related conflicts, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (Madanamoothoo 2025). And these figures are almost certainly underestimates because murders of women are routinely disguised as accidents or suicides and many cases are never reported at all because of social stigma (Kaur 2020).

To understand the phenomenon of dowry-death, we need to go back to the origin of the dowry system.

 

The dowry: the dark side of a tradition

 

The Indian dowry comes from two ancient hindu traditions: stridhan, where the bride’s family and friends give her jewelries and gifts, and kanyadan, where the bride’s father will give gifts to the husband’s family (Shivangi 2024). Kanyadan literally means “the giving away of a virgin daughter”, also symbolic for the husband becoming the wife’s guardian (Laroche-Gisserot 2006).

 

But nowadays, dowry also reflects the market value of the groom: the more educated and professionally successful the man, the higher the sum demanded (Soni 2020).

Indeed, between 1930 and 1975, the prevalence of dowry doubled and payments tripled (Chiplunkar and Weaver 2023). Far from fading with modernisation, the practice has intensified alongside it.

Women are also perceived as financial burden, hence the bride’s family’s need to compensate the husband for “putting up” with his future wife (Musa, n.d.).

 

Gaurav Kashyap, director of the NGO HEEALS in Gurgaon, puts it bluntly: dowry is still present in 99% of marriages, across all social classes, from the poorest families to the wealthiest, despite being forbidden by the law.

 

Violence as a consequence of dowry

 

When the dowry is deemed insufficient by the husband and his family, which happens in roughly 26% of marriages (Kaur 2020), violence usually follows. The most extreme form is bride burning: the wife is doused in kerosene and set on fire (Kaur 2020). Other forms of dowry-deaths include drowning, poisoning, or hanging… The majority of dowry deaths occur within the first three years of marriage, when demands are most acute (Kaur 2020).

 

Yet violence does not begin with murder. A study from eastern India found that 56% of women had experienced some form of domestic violence (Kaur 2020). For many, this violence feels normal, women have been socialised to accept their husband's authority as absolute, sometimes even blaming themselves for provoking it (Musa, n.d.).

Divorce is rarely an easy exit: only 0.24% of India's married population is divorced (Shivangi 2024).

 

A law that rarely protects women

 

What’s even worse is that dowry is in fact illegal since 1961 (Shivangi 2024). Following feminist pressures in the 1980s, amendments introduced specific offences for dowry cruelty and dowry death (Shivangi 2024). On paper, the legal architecture exists but in practice, it fails systematically.

 

The conviction rate for dowry-related crimes stood at just 34.7% in 2019 (Kaur 2020).

 

The law's definition of "dowry death" is so narrow that judges have dismissed cases on the grounds that a demand for money to cover "domestic expenses" does not legally constitute a dowry demand  (Musa, n.d.). The burden of proof falls on the victim's family, who must demonstrate that gifts were coerced, without written records, without witnesses, often without a surviving daughter  (Musa, n.d.). .

 

A legal loophole further undermines enforcement: gifts are made out to the bride rather than the groom's family (Musa, n.d.).

 

India's silent feminicide

Dowry-death is one of the most extreme expression of a hatred toward women, so deeply embedded that it has been institutionalised, in marriage and in law. When a woman is doused in kerosene and set on fire because her family did not come up with enough dowry, it is the reminder that the system has always treated women as transactions and as disposable.

 

 

Bibliography

Chiplunkar, Gaurav, and Jeffrey Weaver. 2023. “Marriage Markets and the Rise of Dowry in India.” Journal of Development Economics 164 (September): 103115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2023.103115.

Chowdhury, Kavita. 2025. “Dowry-Related Violence Continues to Claim the Lives of India’s Daughters.” Thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. August 29, 2025. https://thediplomat.com/2025/08/dowry-related-violence-continues-to-claim-the-lives-of-indias-daughters/.

Kaur, Navpreet. 2020. “Bride Burning: A Unique and Ongoing Form of Gender-Based Violence.” Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine 75 (October): 102035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102035.

Laroche-Gisserot, Florence. 2006. “Le Mariage Indien Moderne. De La Compensation Matrimoniale à La Dot.” Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales 61 (3): 675–93. https://doi.org/10.1017/s039526490000322x.

Madanamoothoo, Allane. 2025. “En Inde, Des Milliers de Femmes Sont Tuées Chaque Année à Cause de La Dot, Pourtant Interdite Depuis plus de Soixante Ans.” Edited by Grégory Rayko and Coline Trystram, March. https://doi.org/10.64628/aak.xyvugpa9j.

Musa, Sainabou. n.d. “DOWRY-MURDERS in INDIA: THE LAW & ITS ROLE in the CONTINUANCE of the WIFE BURNING PHENOMENON.” https://www.mitchellwilliamslaw.com/webfiles/NIR%20Vol_%205%20Musa.pdf.

Shivangi, Ranjan. 2024. “The Evil: Dowry System in India.” Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health 10 (3): 010–12. https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-5479.000209.

Soni, Suparna. 2020. “Institution of Dowry in India: A Theoretical Inquiry Institution of Dowry in India: A Theoretical Inquiry.” https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1354&context=swb.