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.

Friday 19 April 2013

Hostel visit

I have just returned from visiting the new little girls.  What a difference a few days make.  The barber was there giving the kids a haircut.  I'm sure that pile of hair could walk away on it's own.  The girls were happy and smiling.   They have full tummies, and had a few good night's sleep and for the first time been shown some affection.  What a houseful it is.  Trish, is you are reading this, the little girl in the pink dress is much more settled, and has the biggest big brown eyes and eyelashes that would made a cow envious.  It is so gratifying to see them respond so quickly.  I'm indulging in a cuppa and some Cadbury's chocolate, in the all too silent guest house.  I was at the Stupa (Buddhist temple) having lunch with my lovely little interpreter, when a grand procession of monks with big, red feathered hats led the way followed by some monk of some importance, presumably, as he had a canopy held over his head.  Round and round they marched around the circular building, followed by many of the faithful. Much trumpet blowing etc. etc.  All of this ceremony and ritual, straining for approval of a god.  How blessed we are.

Robyn
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2 comments:

  1. Trish Hamlin21 April 2013 at 14:04

    Thankyou Robbie,
    She took my breath away when I saw her in the photo. I just wanted to hug her and tell he everything would be all right now. I am really enjoying the blog.Thankyou for it. Hopefully the others will be back by now and the guest house will be chaos again. Praying for you all . Lots of love trish

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  2. Unknown21 April 2013 at 16:27

    Sending love and prayers.

    Lisa

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