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AUG 13 -
Whenever there is talk about selfless devotion to positive societal change, the one name that always comes to everyone’s mind is Anuradha Koirala. Frequently seen on television and at various social programmes, this charismatic women’s popularity has not only spread throughout Nepal, but also across the globe. She has been the rescuer of many; her support has shed rays of hope on those who have forgotten how to live. Since 1993, Koirala and her NGO Maiti Nepal have been tirelessly working to combat human trafficking and, more recently, to restore the lives of hundreds of children displaced by the civil war. She has given a home to those who never knew what that term meant.
Simple yet impressive, this remarkable woman, who has dedicated her entire life to others, has many lessons to teach: from the initial phases of establishing her NGO to the present situation of human trafficking.
She started Maiti Nepal without any major plans; just a desire to help those in need. After she had taught for many years, she became familiar with the social problems facing women, but without proper funding or resources was unsure how she could start to address the issues. In her daily walk to Pashupatinath, she noticed women begging after falling victim to domestic violence. “I wanted them to come out of the situation. I wanted to help them but again I was financially struck. I just wanted them to stand up for themselves; work and earn their living,” she said. Starting with something small, she “decided to help eight women by opening a small nanglo pasal.” With no money and no supporters, the nascent stages of her efforts proved very difficult. Even her friends weren’t ready to help, but despite challenges, she was motivated to continue.
Her hard work garnered the attention of UNICEF, whose support allowed her to officially establish Maiti Nepal in 1994. Today, her organisation has become one of the largest NGOs in South Asia working in human trafficking. Since its inception, it has not only widened its working area, but expanded its reach to thousands of needy people. Continuing in its mandate to eradicate human trafficking and domestic violence, one more responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Maiti Nepal: the organisation is now working with children displaced by the civil war.
“We Nepalis have a bad habit of talking about death tolls only; no one cares how difficult it is to live,” she said. Currently, 475 orphans and 146 children that are victim of the conflict are cared for by Maiti Nepal. These 621 children are in addition to the trafficked women seeking refuge at Maiti Nepal until they are able to stand again on their own feet. With over a decade of experience in the field, Koirala is a valuable resource on the present scenario of human trafficking. Despite the hard work of Maiti Nepal and other NGOs, the situation is not improving. But why? “Before, girls were sold to the brothels in major cities of India, but today internal trafficking has increased hugely. Not only this, girls who go to the Gulf countries for employment are also sexually abused and harassed,” she said. On top of this, trafficking destinations have also moved closer to Nepal’s borders and to cities like Allahabad, Meruth and Silligudi that fall in the periphery of INGOs and government focus. Without the monitoring and funding concentrated in the more commonly identified human-trafficking centres like Mumbai and Delhi, these cities have become under-the-radar trafficking destinations. But yet, the government still isn’t taking the issue as seriously as it should. It was only after immense pressure from Maiti Nepal that the government has begun to implement awareness programmes, many of which lack the efficacy to really tackle the problem. The problem is not only with the government of Nepal, but India’s as well. “The government of India is neglecting its own law because it doesn’t want to lose the daily turnover of Rs. 1 crore. They are allowing prostitution in the social area which is against their own law,” said Koirala. She added, “I feel bad when I see that prostitution is increasing in Nepal in the name of cabin restaurants and massage parlours. Internal trafficking has become a more serious issue.”
The restoration of trafficked women is another challenge that Maiti Nepal takes on. Because after being trafficked, society doesn’t accept these women with the same respect and love, the organisation encourages “every woman with us to be strong enough to deal with these kinds of things. A capable woman can face any problem, so trainings we provide make them more confident,” she said. Maiti Nepal currently provides women with training to work in handicrafts shops, beauty parlors and bakeries. Some women are also trained in housekeeping at Hotel De l’Annapurna and Dwarikas. The women within the organisation have also formed a cultural troop which frequently organizes dramas to create awareness about human trafficking and sex abuse.
In recent months, Koirala’s list of accolades is rising. Not only was she nominated for the CNN Heroes 2010, but last month, she was conferred with the Shining Compassion Award by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Taiwan-a humanitarian award honouring those bringing positive changes around society. And for what she has done for numerous women and children, she deserves it.
“I feel my responsibilities have been increased with these kinds of rewards. People look up to my work more seriously than before,” she said. To be nominated for the CNN Heroes is a matter of huge pride for all Nepalis. She appealed to every Nepali to vote for her because this honour would allow them to hold their head high.
At Maiti Nepal, Anuradha does more than give those living there shelter, she actually connects with them. The way she casually chats with them, shares their problems and sings with them, she clearly embodies all the characteristics the word Maiti carries with it.
Posted on: 2010-08-14 08:51
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