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 17 April 2015

Team Mission Update Nepal 16th APRIL

At the close of another amazing day for our team members.

We enjoyed another round of visits to hostels with the amazing children. It is so very easy to love on these buttons. Others visited the Miriam Centre and had a very special time with the babies. Some of the team went with Mama Robyn who was on her first visit this trip. The arrival of Mama always generates high excitement in the hostels. Loads of cuddles, giggles and often tears of joy. Robyn's input into the lives of these little ones is tangible if you get to visit with her.

Another team is up in the western provinces visiting the towns, projects and villages there. Papa Grahame is shown below after having been taught how to take the infamous 'selfie'. This team is reporting an amazing time. We look forward to their return Friday night to regale us with stories.

Learning new tech skills.

***

As we walked to visit another hostel late this afternoon we encountered a number of kids happily playing after their day at school. All manner of games, hide and seek, shoot em up, ball games all with shrieks of laughter made the stroll very enjoyable.

Below are some shots of the sights we enjoyed.
Greetings and games as we passed.
Shepherding the ducklings. Sooo cute.


Chief Shepherd.

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Spending time in and around this nation we have the privilege of seeing the many and varied ways the people find to make a living. Here are just a few.

Restocking the cafes with soft drink.

Tools of the trade for the many seamstresses and tailors.
Pedal powered of course.

Selling cooked foods for the evening meals.
Older Nepali men discussing the day.

Counting the takings.

***
Tomorrow we farewell Vivienne and want to pass on our sincere appreciation for all that she has brought to the ministry. Vivienne has worked solidly and advanced the administration skills of our school leadership as she achieved her goals with the group. Please pray for her as she travels. Pray also for team member Rachael who is not well with a nasty flu. Thank you.

Till next time.
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