The Rising Crisis: Women Trafficking in India and Its Impact
Women trafficking remains a critical issue in India, impacting millions of women and girls. Exploited under various guises, they are often sold, traded, or rented for financial gain, leading to severe human rights violations. Among the disturbing practices fueling this crisis is Dhadicha Pratha, a centuries-old tradition in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district.
What is Dhadicha Pratha in Shivpuri?
Dhadicha Pratha is a shocking practice where men can “rent” wives for a period ranging from a month to a year. Despite being portrayed as a cultural norm, it is a clear form of exploitation, where women are rented for either household duties or as temporary wives. The so-called tradition persists in Shivpuri, where even businessmen engage in these transactions, paying anywhere between INR 15,000 to INR 2 lakh per woman. While women technically have the right to refuse such arrangements, social and financial pressures often leave them with little choice.
Distorted Origins: The Myth of Sage Dadhichi
The term “Dhadicha” is derived from a mythological reference to Sage Dadhichi, who is believed to have sacrificed his bones for the welfare of humanity. However, this myth has been twisted over time, transforming into a practice that exploits women rather than honoring any noble sacrifice. This ancient custom, rooted in a historical context, has now become a tool for trafficking and social exploitation.
In regions like Shivpuri, such traditions perpetuate the deep-rooted issues of gender inequality and human trafficking, underlining the need for urgent reforms and enforcement of existing laws to protect the rights and dignity of women.
