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 8 April 2015

April Team News Tuesday 7th

Today was another amazing day for the team with everybody reporting wonderful progress at days end.
We farewelled Venus and Simon who have been impacted by the work of Transform the Nations and are interested in having teams from Hong Kong come and experience what God is doing in this part of the world.


Team member Poppy Parry continued 'business plan' training with Netra. These two are forming a wonderful cross cultural relationship as they bond over spread sheets, debtors, budgets and key drivers for business success.

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Ruth had another productive day with the older students. Today they prepared impromptu speeches and the topic today was someone who has influenced your life. It was pleasant for Ruth to hear many speak about becoming a Christian and the person who led them to that point.

The rest of the team had an amazing time with the pre teens and teens at another one of the hostels. 'Shaky dance' got another belting but this time with a very large group of enthusiastic participants ensuring the shrieking of children's laughter filled the building. The team were honoured with some singing and dancing and then got to share stories and sunday school songs with the kids.

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Unfortunately today and most likely tomorrow the city is ground to a halt with another Bunda (Strike) that stops the taxi's and most traffic from being allowed to use the roads which means the streets are all but empty. An eery quiet settles over the main shopping area of Boudha road and for the first time we heard birds chirping in the unusual stillness.
Children playing badminton where hundreds of vehicles would normally travel is a sight rarely seen. Without being able to move around in taxi's getting places requires looong walks.

With children either on holidays or unable to get to and from schools mums and dads put them to work in the family business. This little one could handle a sharp knife like a Samurai master.


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Each day the lanes surrounding the guest house are lined with merchants and pedlars selling everything from carpet mats to pots, pans and fresh produce. We enjoy fresh veges each meal, here is Lyn choosing this evenings selection.

 

A note from Lyn:

"What an absolute privilege to be back in Nepal. I think of this place as my second home and fit right back into the culture from the moment I arrive.
Today was a great day visiting Tusal hostel. After spending time yesterday with my sponsor child Ruth I had time today with my second sponsor child Durga who is Ruth's younger sister.
It is amazing to be part of this ministry and to be able to serve these beautiful people."
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Till next time.









    

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