Silence isn't always golden

Our stereotypes for prostitutes are mostly negative. In most of the cases we blame them for their situation, little realising that given the circumstances, we would probably have done the same.

In this gut-wrenching, starkly honest article, a young girl describes how she clawed back into the light from the utterly black pit she had fallen into.

Surviving Prostitution and Addiction

Her story is one which needs to be met with understanding, empathy and compassion. Her voice needs to reach every corner, for we do not know what's happening behind closed doors. It could be happening to close ones, tomorrow it could happen to us, our friends, sisters, daughters.

A hand out of the horror

This tiny, humble woman is doing what most of us cannot even dream about. Ms. Anuradha Koirala is the Founder and Executive Director of Maiti Nepal. Born in Nepal and former English teacher, Ms. Koirala started Maiti Nepal in a small house in Kathmandu with her own savings. Today she is a widely recognized activist and lecturer who has dedicated her life to combating the sexual exploitation of women and children.

Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous awards. Her work is often dangerous and requires great personal sacrifice. The criminal elements that "deliver" young girls are a ruthless enemy and have political connections at the highest levels in India and Nepal. Maiti Nepal's main office in Kathmandu has been destroyed twice and Maiti workers must travel with a bodyguard when overseeing rescue missions in India. In Nepal, girls as young as six are at risk for sex trafficking.

Her commitment has been an inspiration to her largely volunteer staff. Most of the workers are rescued girls and young women who are healthy enough to work. "They need little incentive from me," states Ms Koirala. "They are working to help their sisters and they know the horror of the victims." She adds, "Society rejects me and my girls, but they are the most important thing in my life."

Here's how you can help

or simply spread the word ...

The kite who would fly

These are the children with lost childhoods. Childhoods spent in the squalor of brothels, lascivious men, and parasitic pimps. Never knowing the comfort and warmth of family life, nor the support and affection of fathers, they watch as their mothers are abused, cheated, and grow old embittered. They watch from the fringes of society because they are forever marginalised, branded 'bastards' or prostitute's child'. A mark they will carry on their identities and their hearts throughout their lifetimes.

We, who are fortunate to be born in more fortunate circumstances, may not be able to help them much in real terms, but we can change our attitudes towards them, hold them in our hearts in prayer,and send them warmth, healing and strength.

Just a chore

~ photo-poem by Mo

A deeply moving, poignant poem about lives lost, dreams crushed underfoot and hope trampled to the ground. We have the confidence to hope, the audacity to dream and believe they will come true and faith in our tomorrows. We have support systems, people to comfort us in times of grief and distress. What do they have?