India banned dowries decades ago. So why are they causing women's deaths?
Dowries have been illegal in India for more than 60 years. Yet activists say the practice remains deeply embedded in society, and women continue to
Dowries have been illegal in India for more than 60 years. Yet activists say the practice remains deeply embedded in society, and women continue to face harassment, abuse and even death when their husbands' families demand more. The death of former model and actress Twisha Sharma, whose family alleges she was killed over dowry demands, has reignited a national debate about one of India's most persistent forms of gender-based violence.
Her husband and mother-in-law deny wrongdoing and remain in judicial custody while the case is under investigation. In this report, DW News speaks to a survivor of alleged dowry abuse, visits one of India's longest-running women's shelters, and examines why campaigners say legal reforms have failed to eradicate the practice. We also explore the social and economic pressures that continue to fuel dowry demands despite decades of legislation.
Chapters 00:00 The hidden reality of dowry abuse 00:21 A survivor tells her story 00:48 What is a dowry? 01:16 Inside a shelter for survivors 01:53 Why activists say the practice continues 02:44 The Twisha Sharma case 03:27 Fighting silence through community action 04:14 "I want to be independent" 05:43 Why do dowry deaths still happen? 06:28 Why has public outrage faded?
09:08 How dowry became an economic demand 12:35 What needs to change? 13:22 Is there hope for reform? For more news go to Follow DW on social media ► ►TikTok ► ► Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie Subscribe
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