Development in practice
Volume 6, Issue 4, 1996, Pages 352-355

Dealing with hidden issues: trafficked women in Nepal. (Article)

Poudel M.* , Shrestha A.
  • a [Affiliation not available]
  • b [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

This article discusses approaches to dealing with prostitution in Nepal and exportation of women prostitutes to Asia and the Middle East. It is estimated that over 200,000 Nepalese women are in Indian brothels, and tens of thousands are exported each year to other countries and forced either into prostitution or other oppressive conditions. In Nepal, women prostitutes are rejected as wives or daughters, regardless of the reasons involved. Women Acting Together for Change (WATCH) organized a national public hearing in June 1995 on these issues. During the hearing, 11 women and one man shared their views about being forced into prostitution, the ineffectiveness of the law, and social rejection. Participants at this forum questioned the legal practice of human rights and decided that law was a hindrance. Government representatives on the "listening bench" responded defensively and argued that prostitutes were unwilling to use the law, but agreed that the government should punish traffickers and commit politically to ending the trafficking in women. Roundtable discussions among concerned people after a day of hearings decided to initiate a nationwide coalition against the trafficking in women. The alliance would consist of 17 people and include nongovernmental representatives, lawyers, women who testified, representatives of the National Planning Council, and representatives from women's groups. The sex trade is viewed as a part of the national economy and a very profitable enterprise. Extreme poverty and few employment options are strong incentives for the continuation of prostitution. Patriarchal norms reinforce the view of women as born for the sexual pleasure of men. Nepal's national economy and policies have contributed to family poverty and to migration to other countries where women are exploited. The forum revealed schisms in the government commitment to Article 20 of the constitution.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

sexual behavior population demography Southern Asia developing country Population Dynamics Developing Countries Asia Social Problems human rights Sex Behavior social problem Prostitutes--women Behavior sexual abuse Article migration international migration Demographic Factors Emigration and Immigration Sex Offenses Human Rights--women Nepal sexual crime crime

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030281794&partnerID=40&md5=537bfcdea64aa9eaa0bed98c23ec9fbe

ISSN: 09614524
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English