The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has intensified its efforts to reform dowry-related legislation, aiming to address long-standing issues of gender-based violence and economic injustice. At its second national consultation on the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act of 1976, NCSW brought together government officials, legal experts, and human rights advocates to discuss necessary changes to the law.
The meeting, chaired by NCSW Chairperson Ume-Laila Azhar, included active participation from representatives of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. Azhar underscored the seriousness of the issue, stating that dowry is a harmful practice that perpetuates injustice against women and should not be defended by cultural traditions.
During the consultation, attendees carried out a detailed review of the Act, examining each clause to identify existing weaknesses in both the legislation and its enforcement. Participants proposed a series of reforms designed to modernize the law and ensure it meets current international standards. They stressed the importance of moving beyond symbolic measures and enacting changes that would have a real impact on women’s lives.
NCSW emphasized that strong legislative action and effective enforcement are essential for meaningful change. The commission invited comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders, noting that these insights will be crucial in developing evidence-based and practical amendments in the next phase of legal reform.
