UAE-Based Indian Business Draws Up Strong 'Anti-Dowry' Policy For Employees

Anti-dowry policy: 24-year-old Vismaya Nair's tragic death in a case of dowry harassment and domestic abuse in Kerala earlier this week has sent shockwaves not just across the country, but even beyond.

As the Kerala government gears up for reformative measures against dowry and violence against women on the home turf, an Indian-origin business based in the Middle East has simultaneously incorporated strict employee policies to ensure the protection and safety of women in families.

Sohan Roy, Aries Group founder-CEO based in Sharjah, has introduced a ten-point anti-dowry policy in the employment contract at his enterprise. Those at the company found engaging in the exchange of dowry will be sacked and faced with legal action. An anti-dowry cell too has been instituted for grievances.

"Though it is difficult to completely eradicate the cancerous dowry culture from our society, we will do everything to eliminate it from the company," Roy said, as quoted in Khaleej Times. 

Anti-Dowry Policy At UAE Company, Leading The Way For Reform

Three deaths of women in alleged cases of dowry harassment surfaced from Kerala this week, in disturbing reports. Nair died on June 21, her death revealing gruesome details of an abusive marriage and dowry harassment. Two other women - one hanging, the other immolated - were reportedly found the next day in the state. Read more here.

A Kerala native, Roy reportedly announced the anti-dowry policy at Aries this year in March for Women's Day and implemented it this week. The action plan will be applicable across the company's branches in 16 countries.

The policy incorporates such measures as awareness campaigns, redressal mechanisms for employees and family, and greater agency to female staff in pertaining decisions.

This policy in the employment contract is the first of its kind in the world, said Roy, who is married to interior designer Abhini Sohan and is father to twin daughters.

Aries has previously too been a frontrunner in empowering staff families, with a focus on its female members. Even as companies across the world cut costs and laid off workers, Roy announced a 'spouse salary' for unemployed married partners of its employees.

For employees who had been with the company at least three years and married three years, their unemployed spouses were eligible for 25 percent of the salary. This scheme reportedly reaches over 200 households, as per Gulf News.

Over in Kerala, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government had stepped up with state-wide policies that aim at combatting the dowry culture that treats "daughters as commodities." A nodal officer has been appointed for addressing grievances and online helplines have been highlighted, among other measures. Read about them here.

A fair society is that which treats women and men as equals. In light of the recent horrifying incidents of domestic abuse, Kerala has decided to take more stringent measures to create a fair society. The Government and the people will stand together to end this injustice.

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 23, 2021

Image: Sohan Roy, Facebook 

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