Human trafficking survivor runs successful goat farming business
Mala, a courageous survivor, was trafficked from Nepal to India at just 16 years old. She now runs a successful goat farm. This is her inspiring story of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable challenges.
A tale of resilience
Twenty-two years ago, at the tender age of 16, Mala’s life took a devastating turn when she was trafficked from Nepal to India and forced into a brothel in Bombay. Her harrowing experience left her mentally and physically scarred, but her determination to survive never wavered.
For 2 agonising years, Mala endured unimaginable suffering. But, a ray of hope emerged when her older sister and brother-in-law, residing in Bombay, orchestrated a daring rescue mission that freed her from the clutches of the brothel.
Mala found solace with her sister, but safety remained elusive. Working as a domestic maid in various hotels, she continued to experience sexual abuse from her employers. In an attempt to shield herself, she entered into an ill-fated marriage with an Indian man, only to discover he was already married and had another family.
After the birth of her daughter, Mala’s husband’s deception became painfully evident. Isolated and confined, she suffered in silence until experiencing a sudden paralysis attack.
The paralysis attack left her with limited mobility and without the support of her husband. She found herself alone with her daughter in the unforgiving streets of Bombay.
The journey back to Nepal
With no means of survival, Mala made the courageous decision to return to Nepal with her daughter. Guided by compassionate neighbors, she found her way to Maiti Nepal, an organisation dedicated to aiding trafficking survivors.
Mala was reunited with her younger brother in Nepal’s Makwanpur district. Here, her story came to the attention of the Rural Awareness and Development Organisation (RADO), a partner of Plan International’s Prevention, Tracking, Education, and Transformation (ProTEcT) project.
“I made carpet thread which earnt me 100 rupees a day (75 USD cents). But this work was not guaranteed so me and my daughter relied on my brother’s income to survive.”
Mala
Living with limited mobility due to her disability, Mala and her daughter survived on her brother’s income and uncertain income from carpet thread-making.
Mala shares, “I made carpet thread which earned me 100 rupees a day (75 USD cents). But this work was not guaranteed, so me and my daughter relied on my brother’s income to survive.”
Through the ProTEcT project, Mala and her daughter received vital assistance, including food support and a cash transfer, allowing Mala to purchase 2 goats.
Citizenship and entrepreneurship
Having spent her entire adult life in India, Mala faced challenges obtaining Nepalese citizenship for herself and a birth certificate for her daughter. RADO’s support enabled her to navigate the complex bureaucratic process successfully.
“I have experienced significant changes in my life thanks to the continuous support of Plan International and RADO. I now have citizenship, a disability allowance and my own source of income. I feel more confident and optimistic about life.”
Mala
“I have experienced significant changes in my life thanks to the continuous support of Plan International and RADO. I now have citizenship, a disability allowance, and my own source of income. I feel more confident and optimistic about life,” says Mala.
Mala also enrolled in the Enterprise Your Life economic empowerment programme through ProTEcT, learning essential skills for goat farming. With seed capital and guidance, she expanded her business to a thriving goat farm with 14 goats.
Categories: Protection from violence
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