Stove Bursts or Dowry Deaths: A Silent Epidemic

In many parts of our country, women suffer from a lack of economic independence and the freedom to choose their husbands, leading to widespread oppression. At the heart of this issue is the lack of education, which limits economic freedom and keeps many women trapped in cycles of dependency and abuse.

A Disturbing Pattern in Burn Wards

Have you ever visited the burn ward in a hospital? The majority of patients there are women with a common, harrowing story: they were victims of so-called “stove bursts.” These women went into the kitchen to prepare food for their families, lit the stove, and it allegedly exploded, causing their clothing to catch fire and resulting in severe burns from head to toe.

But here’s the unsettling truth: If these stove burst incidents are genuine accidents, why hasn’t anyone sued the stove manufacturers? The sheer number of these cases suggests a darker reality. Many of these incidents are likely linked to dowry-related violence. As materialism grows, dowry demands become an easy weapon, often justified as part of age-old traditions.

The Root of the Problem

The background story of these women is often heartbreakingly similar. They lacked the opportunity to complete their education or gain skills that could lead to formal employment. Their parents, doing the best they can, marry them off. In their new households, these women become dependent on their in-laws. Faced with unreasonable demands, they often lack the means to stand up for themselves or leave their husbands because they cannot secure a job easily.

These situations frequently escalate into domestic abuse, and in extreme cases, women are even burned alive, ending up in hospital burn wards, alone and forgotten. Lacking formal education, many women are unaware of their basic rights, and are conditioned to believe that speaking out against their husband or in-laws is a crime. Consequently, they end up sacrificing their dreams, hopes, and eventually their lives.

Even in the rare instances where a lawsuit is filed, the offenders often intimidate the victims into withdrawing the case. If the lawsuit proceeds, it drags on in court for so long that the victim loses all hope, living in a state of despair. Justice, if it comes at all, is too late and not severe enough to deter future offenders.

Pathways to Reform

Education and Awareness
Education is the most powerful tool to break this cycle. Parents and the government must ensure that every child, especially girls, completes their formal education. Educated women are more aware of their rights and are better equipped to make their own decisions rather than accepting decisions imposed by others. Expanding the scope of the Right to Education (RTE) Act (Article 21A) is a vital step in this direction.

Sharing and celebrating success stories of women in various fields — including but not limited to the corporate sector, research institutes, and constitutional posts — can inspire society to prioritize the education of their daughters.

Legal Reforms
To address the systemic issue of delayed justice, we need fast-track courts or tribunals with defined timelines to swiftly dispose of cases. A specialized workforce focused on these issues would ensure timely and effective justice. Moreover, the verdicts and punishments must be stringent enough to instill fear in potential offenders, deterring them from committing such heinous acts.

A Call to Action

The time to act is now. By prioritizing education and pushing for stronger legal reforms, we can create a safer environment for women and prevent the tragic incidents of stove bursts or dowry deaths. Each of us has a role to play, whether it’s raising awareness, supporting victims, or advocating for policy changes. Together, we can break this cycle of violence and give every woman the chance to live a life free from fear.

This article is inspired by the book Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murty.