Swostika Danuwar is a 1st year student of BALLB in Kathmandu School of Law. She is from Kathmandu, Nepal and work as a translator and volunteer in Sunita Foundation where she translates stories and words of survivors from Nepali language to English language while survivors give interview to foreign reporters. Swostika got inspired and decided to be an activist and involve in anti- human trafficking campaign from her mother Sunita Danuwar as she has been working in this field since 23 years. Swostika wants to be a lawyer to plead and help in providing justice to the victims and survivors. Abhijit Ganguly spoke with Swostika Danuwar during a panel discussion to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons organised by the American Centre. The programme saw youth activists from the US, Nepal, Bangladesh and India who are working to combat trafficking share their experiences.
How big is the problem of girl trafficking in Nepal?
In Nepal we can see places where patriarchy still exists due to which girls are discriminated even when they are in mother’s womb. It is challenge for girls in some rural parts of Nepal to get education and find opportunities to make them independent. Due to which they are more vulnerable towards trafficking. The problem of girl trafficking is very big in Nepal. We can see both external and internal trafficking of girls in Nepal, especially of those who are under 18 years.
What do you believe are the root causes of girl trafficking?
The root causes of girl trafficking in Nepal are listed below:
- Patriarchal society
- Domestic violence
- Single parents
- Poverty
- Lack of opportunities and employment
- Fake promises
Do you think your government is dealing with the problem of trafficking in an adequate way?
Yes, I think our government is dealing with the problem of trafficking as our law against trafficking is one of the best law in South Asia but despite being one of the best law in South Asia, the implementation of those law is seem to be poor. Government has not focus more on skill development and trainings for youths and girls. Youths are still deprived of job opportunities as per their qualifications due to which they are being more vulnerable of trafficking and are easily trapped in the perpetrator’s words.
How can citizens especially the youth take actions to help prevent more people becoming victims of human trafficking?
First of all youths need to be aware about trafficking and they have to realize that it is our responsibility to end trafficking and needs to aware other people especially children about trafficking. For that youths can organize school awareness campaigns, going into places which is more vulnerable of trafficking and awaring local citizens. Street dramas and role plays can be performed by youths with powerful meaning in it. Moreover, youths can post on their social media regarding anti human trafficking and start writing articles against trafficking.
