Kajal grew up in Tikapur, Nepal. An only child, she was known for her bubbly nature and passion for dance. With the support of her family, she used to perform in school shows and village events, dreaming of one day becoming a professional dancer.
But her life was turned upside down the day she met a woman named Seema. She told Kajal and her friends that she would take them to a fair in Nepalgunj. Trusting her, and with the permission of their parents, they went. But when they arrived, they realized they had been deceived. Seema worked with traffickers and sent Kajal and her friends to India with an orchestra to perform as dancers.
Life in India was tough. We didn’t realize we were trapped in an exploitative situation. We were forced to perform late into the night, even when we were sick. We did not have enough to eat, and there was no one to care for us, says Kajal.
After many long months, they were sent back to Nepal. Despite working long hours, Kajal received only about 20 to 25 thousand rupees for all of her performances – a pittance.
Coming back home was not easy. Overwhelmed by fear of judgment from her peers and teachers, Kajal decided to drop out of school. The constant scolding and hurtful remarks from her neighbors and even her family made it difficult to return to the cheerful life she once had.
Hoping to start fresh, her family sent her to Kathmandu to stay with her cousin, continue her studies and rebuild her life. But just a week after reaching Kathmandu, Seema contacted Kajal again. Even though her cousin warned her, she agreed to meet her at the Pashupatinath temple.
That day, she took me to a dance bar in Thamel. At first, she told me to just watch. But soon after, she insisted, “You dance so well, why don’t you work here? I’ll talk to the owner and help you get a job”.
Hoping to earn money by using her dancing skills, Kajal agreed to perform for the owner. But before she could start working there, the police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau came and rescued her. Since she didn’t have valid documents or ID, they referred her to the safe home run by our local partner Opportunity Village Nepal (OVN).
I have been staying at the safe home for the past two months. Through regular counseling and empowerment sessions at the safe home, I have come to realize the dangers I narrowly escaped. I have started to rebuild my confidence.
Recently, Kajal got the opportunity to attend the “Children Assembly (Child Bhela)” event organized by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, where she courageously shared her experience.
Speaking out helped me understand that my story is not just my own – it reflects the risks many young girls face in similar situations.
Today, Kajal has a new dream. She wants to complete her studies because she knows education is the key to a better future. Her love and passion for dance is still alive but now it has a new purpose. She dreams of becoming a professional dancer and one day opening her own dance school. But first, she wants to study and equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills.
I am stronger now. I have learned from my past, I am ready to face challenges and committed to turning my life around for myself and other girls like me.
