Protection of the Kamalari-Girls
Impressions during my visit of the Kamalari project area in October 2011 with a Plan Germany charity travel group. We were all very impressed with the successful progress of the project. We had the opportunity to exchange views with many liberated Kamalari girls. You can find a detailed report on the download page.
Challenges
The ethnic group Tharu lives in the southwest of Nepal. Her deep-rooted traditions, is the system of Kamaiya, a kind of bondage. Especially girls aged six to sixteen years are at risk of being sold for a minimum annual salary of 40 - 50 U.S. dollars as a maid to wealthy families. The consequence are work days from 16 to 18 hours, filled with cooking, cleaning or field work. The girls are named so Kamalari "hard-working woman." They can in most cases no longer go to school. Also sexual exploitation by the employer or the sale of girls to brothels in India are not uncommon.
Also local organizations have in the past tried to free Kamalari girls and bring them back to their families. These attempts failed, often because ultimately, that the family's situation had not changed and the girls were not supported with their reintegration into their old environment.
The girls were then easily re-sold to other employers. A comprehensive approach is therefore essential for the success of the project and particularly crucial.
The aim of the project
Plan would like to make an important contribution to ensuring that the Kamalari practice is ultimately abolished. The affected girls will be helped to escape the exploitative working conditions and to lead an independent life.
Duration and Budget
The project started in January 2010 and is expected to close in December 2015. The project cost is expected to be approximately 1.971.000 €.
Project area
The project is conducted in three districts of Nepal, where the Kamalari practice is relatively often used: in Dang, Kailali and Kanchanpur. After investigation of a local child protection organization in the year 2009 there are currently 4292 girls who work as Kamalari.
Source: Plan Germany
Kamalari Video
If you want to get broader information on the Kamalari tradition we recommend the book 'Child slaves' by the former Kamalari Urmila I have also met in person during my visit. Currently the book is only in German language available but soon in English too.
Actions to be taken with the donations
The following broad actions are planned during the project:
• Liberation: Kamalari girls are freed from her employment and if necessary get legal and psychosocial support.
• Reintegration: The reintegration of girls in their families will be encouraged. After their return, the girls are prepared in courses on independent living, where they learn more about children's rights, gender equality, health issues and personal development. They are encouraged to get involved against the Kamalari practice.
• Education and profession: Former Kamalari girls are prepared in support courses in returning to public schools. For the older girls pre-employment training and assistance are offered at the entry into the profession. Adult former Kamalari get through savings groups and micro credit, the opportunity to build a life for themselves.
• Children's Rights: In children and youth clubs girls and boys learn about their rights and spend their free time with games and sports.
• Income improvement: In order to give their children an education and to protect them from the practice Plan supports families with agricultural training and the distribution of goats and pigs.
• Media- and lobbying work: Through media campaigns, the establishment of child protection committees and the networking of local and national stakeholders it will be advertised for the enforcement of child rights and abolition of the Kamalari practice.
Source: Plan International Germany: Project description NPL-0248 protection of Kamalari girls
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