The constitution of Nepal guarantees men and women the same rights. However, discrimination against women is a huge problem in Nepal. Old age patriarchal value system and social and cultural practices have crippled the women in many ways. Women have been treated as a commodity for a long time, and they are often discriminated in social, cultural, economic and political fronts. They are so oppressed, exploited and dominated that they only play the stereotype role in the society. The trafficking of women is a very serious and deep-rooted problem in Nepal.

Reasons for trafficking

Human trafficking in Nepal is increasing, and the reason and nature of the women trafficking in Nepal can be highlighted as follows: Poverty is the main cause of women trafficking in Nepal in the rural areas. Due to hunger, unemployment and illiteracy, many poor parents are compelled to handover their innocent girl child under the veil of carpet works or housework and garment works. Ultimately they are sold for the commercial flesh trade; a large number in India and a few within the country. The girls are easily lured by tiny attractions of works, salaries, easy life and are therefore easily trafficked. Political instability and corruption and weak implementation of law and order are indirectly making women more vulnerable.

According to an UN report, around 12,000 Nepalese children, mainly girls, are trafficked for commercial, sexual exploitation each year within Nepal, or to brothels in India and others countries. There is a critical need for increased rescue of trafficking victims and prosecutions of traffickers.

Skill development training for village girls, supported by Nepal Red Cross Society

There are many organizations which are working with anti human trafficking in Nepal, and Nepal Red Cross is one of the big organizations among them. They have different activities in the most vulnerable districts, Dhading and Newakut, and have programs to raise awareness, peer-to-peer educator training for school children, and income generation programs for women. They are supporting uneducated girls in the villages by giving them different kinds of skill development training which makes them independent and capable. These women can also play a vital role to reduce trafficking, when they are involved in different awareness activities.

Norwegian Red Cross is supporting these anti human trafficking programs in Nepal, and this year the Norwegian Red Cross Youth are focusing on the anti human trafficking campaign to support various countries, including Nepal.