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, 25 March 2012

A Day of Joy and Love

Saturday is the day for church.  Seems strange but in Nepal that is the way.  Robyn has told you all about the church. The joy in the faces of the folk there and the friendly and eager welcomes is very humbling.  The place was packed and I think nearly all wanted to come and say Jaimaci (God's blessing I think) at the end of the service. The love they have for the Lord is challenging. They are mostly so poor and yet they are      so rich in their faith.
The atmosphere in our Guest house is another form of joy and love. It is so good to be able to join with brothers and sisters and work together in harmony.  Robyn makes a mean curry and pasta.
The hostel was another joyous affair. All those little heads that popped up over the balconies of three storeys and waved and blew kisses drew smiles to our faces. On the way one of the local young boys came to see if Pappa Bob ( from the January Team) had returned. An impact on the community has already been made by the Hostel and the visiting Aussies.  Loved to see the dancing and join in the singing. Loved to give Yuna her gifts from her sponsors.
Then home tonight to do the mundane like wait for the water tank to be cleaned and filled before we could do the washing; eat a delicious dinner around the table while sharing with each other; watching Margot prepare for her School Set up for the new high school.

Yep....lots of love and joy today. Thanks for the prayers and keep on praying. The Lord has lots of work here to be done.
Agnes
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2 comments:

  1. Anji Wirtitsch25 March 2012 at 10:59

    There is always joy when God is in it. Sounds like you are having fun...without me :(..May you be a blessing to all as you do the will of the Lord. Praying for you all..

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  2. Jill25 March 2012 at 15:34

    I am LOVING these updates! Doesn't feel like I am quite so far away. Keep sharing, I look forward to your posts each day. Say Jaimaci to all of our lovely Brothers and Sisters for me and please give Juna a special hug from her Aussie family.

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