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.

Sunday 6 October 2013

06/10/13

Early this morning as we all slept, we were wakened by the eerie call of Kangling. ( Blowing a human leg bone- preferably from a criminal), to summon the evil spirits. The feeling of evil was palpable in the air as the Buddhist wound his way through the streets causing all the dogs to bark. It was a reminder that our struggle is against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in which this nation is steeped. 

As I sit here tonight, the final night of my 3 week visit , I am both sad and excited. Tomorrow I leave to return home to my husband, children and grandchildren who I can't wait to see. I am sad because this time has come to an end and I shall miss the many friends I have here. Working with the Halfway House women and girls and the Tusal Hostel girls has been wonderful. Of course the highlight has been spending time with my beautiful sponsor girl, Ruth. The essence of this amazing place does creep into your whole being, you want to be part of God's amazing transformation of this nation. This trip has been a journey of discovery about myself and what God wants me to do. I am often full of self doubt and unsure of where I fit in God's plan for Nepal but he gave me a verse some days ago.      1Cor 7v17. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live, obey, love and believe right there. I have no idea if I will return to Nepal (of course I want to), but I do know it has been a privilege to serve these people who are such humble servants themselves. As I leave this vibrant place, I pray The Lord will draw me closer to himself and that I will endeavour to live my life pleasing to him and in tune with his will for me. I am so going to miss the indescribable sights, sounds, smells and perpetual motion that is Kathmandu.                                                                  Lyn Carruthers.

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