So, I have been debating this issue for years – my mind has time to ruminate on it. Finally can I strongly say I don’t believe in dowry. I said the same thing last year and my grandmother was appalled. Naturally.

In Setswana culture as probably is other cultures that esteem dowry or bride-price, much stigma is attached to not giving dowry, or giving insufficient dowry. A woman will be stoned with gossip for leaving her mother’s house for free, a man will be castrated with names for not being manly enough to pay, to provide.

Although I understand how dowry may be seen as a gesture binding two families rather than a transaction, I don’t believe it should be a sine qua non factor. We should be able to marry without it. What do girls think, and what do guys in societies where dowry is received by the man think?

Please look at this video to see the plight of women around the world because they give insufficient dowry to men. I am moved: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e85mnwHuaoM


I look forward to hearing your views, everyone.