“Papa, my father-in-law told me off yesterday for asking Ashish’s bank details. As per him daughter-in-laws have  no right to ask such things when he and Ashish are around to take care of things.”

“But I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. I have sometime at hand and thought will look after Ashish’s shared and investments while he is occupied with work. And this ticked my father-in-law off and he scolded and humiliated me in front  of everyone. I am an educated person and as a member of this family, I have full right to know and understand about Ashish’s salary and investments. It is not like I will be running off with the money.

Ashish also did not stand up for me and kept quite through all the humiliation I had to tolerate.

As per their family rules, 

WOMEN, AND ESPECIALLY DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS, HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK OR VOICE THEIR OPINIONS.

This is not what I expected out of marriage. Am I right in thinking that all this is not fair on me,” spoke a crying Madhuri to her dad over the phone.

Madhuri’s dad reassured her that she had complete right and authority to ask about her husband’s financial details and in fact as a member of the family, even how the house is run and managed, which includes information about her in-laws.Also, if she has any suggestions that can improve things she can voice them out and they can be discussed fairly in the family.

“I DID NOT MARRY MY DAUGHTER IN YOUR FAMILY TO JUST LOOK AFTER THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE. SHE IS AN INTELLIGENT PERSON,  WITH COMPLETE RIGHTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL DISCUSSIONS IN THE FAMILY, INCLUDING FINANCIAL.

By denying her these rights she is being disrespected and bullied,” told Venkat Prabhu to Ashish, Madhuri’s husband.

It is time to stop treating or limiting women to just deciding what to cook and what to wear. Women no longer will be bullied into hiding into the kitchen. It is time to give them their due.