Human trafficking (HT) occurs all over the world. HT can be slavery, forced labor, or prostitution. Those on the front lines indicate published statistics are too low. No one knows the true numbers of people, especially women and children, around the globe, who are trafficked every year.
In Nepal, most people live on about $3 a day, according to Rajendra Gautam, founder of 3Angels Nepal. In the rural villages, children—especially girls—are not well educated. Many times instead of attending school, girls must work in the fields and are often considered to be a burden to their families. Women’s rights are almost nonexistent in this country where hunger and poverty are more widespread than freedom or education.
After the recent government revolution and war in Nepal, many families, in an attempt to protect their children from the violent front, sent them away with family “friends” who promised to find jobs or education for them in Kathmandu or India. Families are tricked by potential husbands offering “secure” futures for their daughters. But in many cases, these girls end up in Indian brothels, with no idea of what is happening to them until it is too late.
Lack of education and awareness fuel the trafficking industry. The caste system also represses the ability of Nepali men and women to find jobs outside the prostitution and trafficking industries. To combat this multibillion-dollar industry, NGOs like Shae and 3Angels Nepal work at the borders, in the villages, and in counseling centers in Nepal to provide prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation to trafficked women and children.
Shae works in partnership with the in-country NGO 3Angels Nepal to continue their programs through message media promoted around the world. By sharing stories of rescued and empowered women and girls, Shae hopes to increase awareness about the horrible reality of HT in Nepal and what is being done to overcome it.
Shae has a special project to provide creative education and expression to women and children in Nepal. By encouraging creativity as therapy for those who have never been allowed to express themselves, Shae offers an outlet of hope. Shae’s projects in Nepal include documentary films, photography, and mentorship for artists who are passionate about causes like HT.