MC Josephine | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: MC Josephine witnessed tears of the women who suffered from dowry harassment. That forced her to push for sharpening the clauses in the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961. The changes that give new hope to the women in the state are now under the consideration of the government.
Josephine helmed the Kerala Women’s Commission (2017-21) when dowry-related crimes were at its peak. She intervened in all cases and pushed for strong action from the police and the government. She visited the houses of women who were killed in Kollam, Kundara and Karunagappally. She spoke to the relatives and ensured their versions were heard.
She met with an accident en route to the house of Kevin who was the victim of 'honour killing'.
Josephine wanted to update the dowry act after witnessing the cases in the state. The Commission pointed out that the banned practice is still very much prevalent in society in the name of 'gift'. The Commission batted for registering the 'gift' with the notary during the marriage. The 'gifts' are not considered as dowry and a case is registered only when deaths happen. This worsened the situation in the state, the Commission felt.
The women's commission also took up a massive campaign against dowry practice. The state will thank Josephine for her contributions when it implements the changes suggested.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=331348a&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=8a7b7b1&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.png?$p=909f677&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
