Desperate Girls

The Badi Girls

Between 7,000 and 12,000 young girls, aged 9-16, are trafficked each year from Nepal; mainly to India. According to Nepal Monitor/On line journal, 2007, there are more than 200,000 Nepali girls in Indian brothels.

The Dalits(untouchables) are the lowest level in Hindu society, and the Badi community, in Western Nepal, are the lowest of the low. As a displaced hungry people group the Badi community has made sexual subservience a way of life. Young girls from this group “serve” other groups. This has become a tradition and means of livelihood. Many girls, even when they are unwilling, are forced to serve as sex slaves. Family members knowingly sell their daughters to traffickers.

Though prostitution is illegal in Nepal, the industry reportedly has links with highly ranked officials and political leaders. Large groups of girls are taken across the border with many police and government officials being in collusion with traffickers and brothel owners.

Traffickers and related criminals are often protected by political parties, and if arrested, are freed using political power. As a result, there is an underlying distrust of police that has led people not to file cases against traffickers.

Domestic action involves activities of NGO’s and other volunteer groups. These groups are playing a major role to address girl-trafficking and sex slaves issues. Some NGO’s are playing a very important role to improve the situation. From creating social awareness to rescuing and rehabilitation, they are providing services (and relief) to those that need it the most – the likely victims as well as the rescued ones. The Lighthouse foundation is one of these.

*See Chandra Kala’s story on this blog site.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Leaving Nepal tomorrow


Our last night in Nepal. It's impossible to describe the range of emotions we are feeling tonight. As weary as we are, and ready for home, the tug on our hearts as we have said farewell to the girls in the hostels is almost unbearably strong.
For me, having seen the appalling poverty from which they have come, and knowing a little of the horrors that have inhabited the lives of some, the joy they now experience is tangible. How can a child whose very life has been a hell on earth be so remarkably changed? The love they know now is light years away from the brutality of their not too distant past. The love shown to them is more than merely human love; it is the love that God has for them, manifested through the remarkable people here who have cared enough to devote their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation.
It took us about 45 minutes just to say goodbye to those we have come to know through Margaret's cooking classes and others in the same hostel. The are indelibly imprinted on our hearts.
For me, who came to Nepal wondering where and how I could fit in, I can honestly say I will be looking forward to our planned return about April next year. 
The fellowship of the team, and the leadership of Grahame and Robyn have been something very special. Thanks to all of you.
Barry
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