Women have always been seen as lower in status in almost all the cultures (few exceptions), religions, regions, societies, and civilization as well. It is a common and well propagated belief that they cannot make their decisions, cannot lead an independent life, cannot be an important part of major decisions taken, all the traditions have advocated that women follow some strict norms, live in the protection of men in various stages of their lives. One important notion is prevalent that they are the pride and respect/dignity of the family, which is an utter non-sense, thus they must be extra carious, should sacrifice their wills, should always follow norms and many more things. I am not saying this because I am a feminist, but it is more a matter of human dignity and life. Real life incidences hurt me and compel me to think.

Let me share a sad but true story, two years ago when her parents and family members proposed her marriage, she was just 14 years old, studying in a government middle school in class 8^th. She was a child, born and grown up in a village, much unaware of the traditions, customs, and duties of the societies. When we came to know about it, we talked to her parents, tried to convince them that she is not capable of getting married yet. But they denied and objected our intervention saying that religion give us this permission and it is their internal matter which do not concern us.

We could not stop or halt her marriage and she got married to a man much older than her in age (more than 13 years of age gap) some great people will say that “no-age is just a number” but no, age is not just a number, it is much more. Her family members said that they have the exclusive right to take the decision in their family, religion and traditions allow and guide them. Police too came in their support saying it cannot intervene Suo moto. She faced a lot of physical and mental problems, they treated her very inhumanly, made her do all the household chores and she lived a torturous life.

In the morning today I got the information that she was beaten to death by her husband and mother in-law, once she died, they made her swallow poison to show that she died by consuming poison. She died and said goodbye to the world at the tender age of 16 years and one month. I remember her childhood, she used to play with her lambs, calf, and friend through out the day happily. She never knew that she would meet this fate one day.

We give so many reasons for such incidences, like many children, poor economic conditions, lack of education. Let me tell you she was the only daughter to her parents; they are economically well off. Then why? Because customs and religion allowed it.

Now, a case will be registered against that culprit and later he will get the bail because who care, the whole society will raise questions on the conducts and characters of the victim and as usual one day he will be acquitted. Will re-marry because it is common for the rapist and murderer to get married here.

It is not a new thing; incidences of this kind are reported every day but who care. It does not concern others. but it is a matter of grave concern for a living being. I always question the norms and customs as well as duties because I find them unjust. Why we are practicing the things which were practiced 1400 years ago? Why cannot we change ourselves? Why cannot we break those rules which are inhumane? Many more questions struck my mind, but only to enhance my grief and ache.

Many minor girls got married in the last one year due to school closure and diminishing economic conditions, we could halt a few but not all unfortunately. I am afraid that they will meet the same fate. Who knows? In a male dominated society, where all the rules, religions, norms tilt in their favor, who will dare to speak? Be it khap-killings, honor killings or forced marriage on the name of family reputation, everything is acceptable, for rules are made by them for their own convenience and benefits.

My beautiful sister shed tears in the helplessness that she could not do anything, it aches my mind too, but we tried our part honestly. I hope one day, things will change, to keep speaking against injustice is necessary rest is dependent on time.

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