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| A painting depicting Sati in the ancient Far East |
Sati is the unusual practice of women burning themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband. It occurs mainly in India however; let’s get a few facts straight first. The practice is officially banned in India and is relatively rare. However, it is embedded within the culture and that is why Sati sometimes occurs.
This article excellently explains that there are different reasons why women burn themselves. The article shows that some women feel forced to do it, by their community. Supposedly, some perform Sati because they really want to. Others feel that life without a husband would be too much of a struggle.
Whatever the reason for me no community should allow Sati, whether the woman wants to or not. Even worse, women should never be or feel forced by their community to kill themselves. Why should they? For me, it is also terrible that some communities feel that women can’t support themselves without a husband. Perhaps I am naïve but surely there could at least be a place where all widows can live together?! Sati, just does not seem a valid option.
Whilst doing the research for this post I came across this online news article. It describes an 18 year old girl committing Sati because she was forced to by her family. She had been married for only 8 months. However, this was in 1987, so as I read about this girl I thought, 1987 is a relatively long time ago. The world has advanced a lot since then and we are now in the 21st century. Yet, I was still shocked to discover that as recent as 2006 was when a woman last performed Sati. The article does state that the woman did it out of free choice. (However, how one would know this is beyond me!) I do respect people making their own choices, however, don’t you think that women in these areas should be educated and understand that Sati is not their only way out?
Its really sad to read such things are occurring. Obviously what we must try to avoid is projecting our own 'ideals' on a community we know very little about. It's difficult to even imagine someone carrying out such a practice.
ReplyDeleteI do think the women should be educated on all the options they have. However I wonder if even after that, they continue to practice this, as a 'sacrifice' for husbands and their religion. How do we then respond to it?
I understand completely - every country has its own culture which needs respecting. I think the issue that occurs is when it inflicts on human right to live.
ReplyDeleteIf, when women continue to practice after education I would say still further educate until women get the message that 'sacrificing' their own life for their husbands is not necessary. They can still remain faithful to their husband without needing to engage in this practice. If they know this and still carry out this practice then there is not much else left to do!