Nepal is a major source country for women and girls trafficked into India and the Middle East for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and forced labor. Most often, victims are lured by traffickers with false promises of good jobs or marriage. Once traffickers convince their victims to cross the border, they are sold into prostitution or bonded labor. Two other forms of trafficking that endanger Nepali women and young girls are being sold by family members to pay debts or being forcibly kidnapped by traffickers. Women are mostly trafficked internally for sexual exploitation and internationally for domestic servitude.
In 2009, the Trafficking in Persons Report listed Nepal as a Tier 2 country, commending their efforts to raise public awareness, but urging stronger law enforcement against all forms of trafficking.
In 2005, the Village of Hope “Asha Nepal” was founded in a mountain area about 45 minutes outside of Kathmandu. Shared Hope International provides funding for The Village of Hope in Nepal to house domestically and internationally trafficked women and children, giving them a safe and caring environment. For trafficked Nepalese girls who return from the brothels of India, the Village of Hope offers them a protected place where they can begin to build a new life.
Shared Hope International has provided funding to offer a variety of services at the Village of Hope in Nepal. In addition to counseling, biblical guidance and health care, the Village of Hope also offers vocational training, formal and non-formal education to build the skills of these vulnerable women and provide healthy alternatives for their future. In Fall 2009, Shared Hope International funded a grant to offer high level Christian schooling for the children at the Village of Hope in Nepal. This critical investment in their education will reduce their chances of being lured into unsafe environments.
One of Shared Hope's most successful survivors is Renu, who was drugged by her foster brother and forced her into prostitution at 14 years. Read Renu's story.
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