NEPAL - Travel, Trekking and Trafficking



Nepal is one of the most beautiful, yet one of the poorest countries in the world. In mountainous fields where clearing yet another patch of forest to grow crops increases the danger of landslides, subsistence agriculture is no longer enough to sustain families.

Arranged marriages are the norm and women are brought up to regard themselves as second-rate. The problems of poverty and oppression are neglected by those who rule the country and pocket the maximum revenue for themselves.

SEXUAL SLAVERY
Meanwhile in the big cities of India, ageing men seek sex with teenage prostitutes to make themselves feel youthful. Fair-skinned girls with Mongolian features are considered the most beautiful - such girls are found in Nepal.

Almost one in fifty of the female population of Nepal is sold into sexual slavery. Most girls are enslaved when they are in their early teens. They are kidnapped, sold or lured to India by promises of good employment. By the age of thirty almost all these women are dead.

More information on sex trafficking of women and girls in Nepal


RAPE IN NEPAL - A "FAMILY AFFAIR"
Concern has been raised in the media about widespread corruption of police and the judiciary in numerous cases of rape, sexual abuse and violence against women. Police dismiss rape as a "family affair" and have even gang raped women in police stations. Judges allegedly take bribes from wealthy rapists to dismiss cases against them .

Widespread customs discriminate against Nepalese women who are automatically blamed for being raped. A government official has stated that "rape is impossible between one man and one woman". Widespread reports of child rape were justified in a government newspaper because "sexual activity is stimulated by the rainy season".

As it is considered shameful for a woman to go to court, almost all rapes go unreported.

More detailed information on rape and violence against women in Nepal


RAPED BY THE TRAVEL AGENT
Countries that permit their own women-folk to be treated as expendable commodities see no "harm" in permitting serial rapists and other sex offenders to operate as high-profile travel agents catering to safety-conscious lone women! One of the world's top exotic destinations, Nepal attracts tourists, some of whom are sexually abused by men in positions of trust in tourism.

Information about and international action to stop the sexual harassment of tourists by tour guides in Nepal

Includes an on-line protest form, a search box and links to Nepalese tour operators supporting this campaign!



Links

Aviva. - Listings of women's groups and events worldwide.

California University of Pennsylvania. - Dr Patricia Hartman's Pages.

The Feminist Majority Foundation Campus Program provides students with the tools to advocate for their rights and the global rights of women, while providing a network of support for young feminists.

Kate’s Feminism Page. - Resources on rape and domestic violence.

University of Washington Libraries. - South Asia Section.

Black Looks. Musings and Rants by an African Fem.

World Philanthropists.


Thanks to following organizations for their support:

Saving Women's Lives


The Feminist Majority Foundation


GreenNet Internet access provider in support of human rights.


Witness to Violence highlights public artworks focused on ending violence against women.

Its founder, Robert Markey, helped to create the original Nepal, Travel and Trafficking site. (With special thanks for the inspiration he gave me.)


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For more information on issues of sex trafficking please email:

Captive Daughters mail_nospam_@captivedaughters.org
and on this campaign and the sexual harassment of tourists in Nepal please email:

Helen Brown freespirit_nospam_@gn.apc.org

Sorry I have to complicate this to prevent spam! Please take out the underscores as well.