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.

Monday, 30 September 2013

30th Sept.  Wild Ride


Last night, we all went into the tourist centre for a meal, as we had only arrived from out west and I wasn't all that keen to start cooking for everyone.  We headed off in three separate taxis, always completely clapped out Suzuki's.  I had three other ladies with me, and I sat in the front seat, being the only one who knew the way.  Boy!!!!!! What a ride.  The traffic was manic and so was the driver.  Eight lanes of traffic where there should be four; motor bikes, bicycles, trucks, taxis, tuk tuks, pedestrians, all seemingly oblivious of each other.  No need to be on the right side of the road.  The craziest taxi driver wins.  Two of the ladies were not impressed but Lyn and I loved every minute of it.  Down side streets, dodging potholes, animals.  30 minutes later, we arrived at our destination totally pumped.  I wanted to do it all again.  Ahh!!!!! Nepal.  I love it.


Robyn

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