There exists an older generation of women who remain burdened with limited rights upon an ancestor's land. Throughout generations, this reality only sets up a disadvantage to its holder, the female subject compared with its male counterpart. For hundreds of years, traditional perceptions regarding Stridhan influenced how inheritance customs are considered concerning women's rights. The Hindu Succession Amendment Act of 2005 has been a significant step in equalizing the rights of land inheritance between men and women. It means the legislation marks a good step forward in ending sexual discrimination, giving daughters rights of shares in ancestral property compared to their brothers.

A quick look at the findings from the National Family Health Survey-5 indicates that property ownership was more prevalent among men compared to women. While women do have the right to inherit both movable and immovable assets from their ancestral and marital families, their shares are still disproportionately smaller than those of their male relatives. These dynamics are complex, showing the struggle and need for continued advocacy and change in societal attitudes toward women's rights and property ownership.

What is "Stridhan," and why is it important in Indian culture?

Stridhan means "woman's wealth." It refers to a woman's property or fortune, including gifts she receives on the occasion of her marriage- be it clothing, jewellery, or even land. That is, the term connoted an integral part of a woman's identity that comprised movable and immovable property. Historically, it is mentioned in the Manusmriti, where there are types of property women could own. Other texts do not define inheritance rights clearly. Often, women have not fully owned their Stridhan due to societal norms, as traditionally, a wife and her property belonged to her husband. This legacy goes on to highlight the continuing struggle of women to gain autonomy and equal rights in property ownership today, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and change.

How does Stridhan impact women's right to inherit the land?

According to the Asian Development Bank 2018 report, personal religious laws and patriarchal norms play a great role in Indian land inequality problems. In Hindu society, daughters are often called "Paraya Dhan," meaning their property remains another family once married. That again establishes a culture that has made it look as though her money or rather wealth belonged to her only by being a receiver of the inheritance of the family property left behind due to Stridhan. Parents may feel that this is enough by providing them with Stridhan, making them forget to give the same rights to daughters when it comes to inheriting the land. As a result, this reinforces gender disparities in land ownership and affects women’s economic empowerment in Indian society.

Why would women avoid lodging their claims over the inheritance rights?

Despite the effective steps taken by the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act of 2005 in promoting equal rights among daughters and sons to succeed in property, many women often feel a deep-seated hesitation in asserting their claims. That is because of the old cultural, social, and traditional biases that have stood the test of time, making women marginalized. Most girls are taught from a very young age that they are inferior to others in their families, and this makes them internalize the pain of not being strong or capable enough to handle property on their own. It tends to discourage them and will make them feel helpless so they cannot do anything about it; besides, cultural traditions, too, add another thick layer of complexity.

Since Rakshabandhan and Bhaidooj usually celebrate the bond between a brother-sister, it creates more of a sense of responsibility that makes it somewhat hard for women to favour their needs over family sentiments. Many find solace in accepting Stridhan and other gifts, but this practice may inadvertently narrow their awareness of their inheritance rights, making them feel that they have been sufficiently supported without needing to claim land or property. Even when aware of their legal entitlements, societal pressures weigh heavily on these women. It is scary to think about causing a conflict or disappointing the family members; thus, they silence their voices and desires. Adding to this pressure is the stigma attached to challenging traditional roles, which makes it even harder for women to advocate for themselves. Reports from organizations, such as the World Bank, argue that, although economic opportunities are gradually changing and giving better leverage to women, overall inheritance laws are more favourable to men in many cultures.

How can women become independent and empowered?

Achieving this equality is not only a vital goal within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality but also a pathway to transformative change in society. When women can inherit land, they can freely make economically independent decisions, which are not dependent on someone else, in all spheres of life. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals remind us that "gender equality is not only a basic human right but also a necessary basis for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world." This kind of vision was taken one step further in the Hindu Succession Amendment Act of 2005 when daughters were given the ability to inherit the estate of their fathers like their brothers.

We need to come together to create a platform that acknowledges and respects women's rights so that they can feel valued and confident about their rightful claims of inheritance. Only through empathy and understanding can we help build a society where every woman is empowered to embrace her rightful legacy. In fighting for such rights, we can create a society in which women are respected, protected, and empowered to live free from discrimination and violence while being equal participants. That future will empower every woman to prosper on her own terms.

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