HYDERABAD: It is a global and a perennial problem, she said. “That is the only sign that can prove that human trafficking has ended,” said Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti Nepal, an organisation that has been fighting to protect Nepali girls from domestic violence, sex trade, child prostitution and several other forms of abuse.
She was speaking at an interactive session organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad Chapter.
Started almost two decades ago, it was Anuradha’s habit to meet and converse with people anywhere that led to the formation of Maiti Nepal.
“I used to work as a teacher and walk to Pashupatinath Temple. I noticed a number of women begging, everyday and out of habit, I started talking to them. All of them were victims of some form of abuse -- domestic violence, polygamy, HIV positive, sexual violence and so on. I asked them why they weren’t looking for employment and they straight out asked me, who will hire us?” recalled Koirala.
It was at that moment that she decided to do something and invested her savings in setting up small businesses for eight women. Today, the foundation has grown to spread awareness about the problem. She is a recipient of the prestigious CNN Heroes award. Koirala, however, is not proud of it.
“Children from the higher caste are not targeted because they are educated and are clever. The ethnic groups are naive and often fall prey. The only solution for this problem is that girls should be educated,” said Koirala.