Dowry should not be as expensive as it has become

The issue of expensive weeding ceremonies has been raised during the National Dialogue ‘Umushyikirano” where officials discussed about the impact this kind weeding has on the economy and the culture at large.

It is in this context that journalists, at the side, discussed on this issue during a radio show that took place at different radio stations including Isango Star, Inkoramutima, Izuba, Ishingiro, and Voice of Africa. Invited guests included Athanase Havugimana, Silas Nshimiyimana and Ghislaine Ines.

The first issue discussed upon regarded the expensiveness of all preparations leading to the weeding ceremony where  currently people pay the rent expensive cars, decoration tools  and invite many persons in the ceremony.

According to some, this results from the willingness to imitate one’s fellow who did the same.

This comes from the fact the people want to imitate their neighbor as not to be considered poor, said one of the journalists.

To the other side, another journalist said all depends on the financial  ability of the couple that is to weed.

Every couple is to assess its finance before engaging into spending. If one has a monthly salary of 5 million Rwf , it is not too much expensive fro him/her to spend 2 million Rwf  during the weeding ceremony.

One of the journalist highlighted the fact these overspending negatively impacts on national economy as people do not save their money at the bank rather collect that money for the weeding.

Contrary, this promotes economy  because the higher brides spend, the higher the trades gain money and pay taxes to sustain the economy.

Concerning the dowry,  some of journalists stated that it should not be business related rather be a symbolic issue to to appreciate the efforts parents have provided through the education they gave to the girl.

Another interesting  issue debated upon was that currently many girls get pragnant early and try to cover it through engaging  a weeding  before giving birth. This brings in quick preparations that require a lot of finance that was not planned before, underlined one journalist.

People who called to exchange their views said that the dowry should not be expensive because, they said, normally dowry symbolizes a union between two families and should not be considered as a business issue that requires people’s money.

This show takes place every Sunday at the Isango Star radio station from 2h00 to 3h00 PM. It intends to enhancing the culture of debate on issues that concern Rwanda and, if needed, the international topics.

UM– USEKE.RW