Born in Modi rural municipality, Parbat district, into a family living in extreme poverty, Shanti was deprived of her childhood and forced to grow up far too quickly in difficult circumstances. At the age of 12, she was sent to Kathmandu to work for a wealthy household, taking on responsibilities far beyond her age. In the face of mistreatment and unbearable working conditions, she decided to run away. But she soon fell into the hands of a man posing as her “uncle”, who betrayed her trust and took advantage of her vulnerability. Gathering courage, she confided in one of her teachers, who then informed the school principal. The latter quickly took action and connected her with an organization that facilitated her rescue through the police. Eventually, she was referred to our local partner Opportunity Village Nepal (OVN) for protection and care.
With the support from GSIF Nepal and OVN, Shanti found a safe space to heal. Psychosocial counseling helped her process her trauma, regain self-esteem, and develop emotional resilience. Legal aid played a crucial role in helping her understand her rights and navigate the legal process. Although the case against the culprit had already been filed before she joined OVN, the hearings took place during her time at the protection home. With OVN’s support, she received legal guidance and knowledge, empowering her throughout the proceedings. When the case concluded with the culprit’s imprisonment, Shanti finally got a sense of justice and closure, bringing restoration and healing.
ONV also provided her with medical care, which addressed both her physical and mental health needs. In this supportive environment, she began to rebuild her confidence and sense of self. Longing for independence, she enrolled in a three-month professional job training program, where she developed new professional skills. She later joined a residential industrial training program, equipping her with specialized expertise that would unlock new opportunities.
But a major hurdle still stood in her way: the lack of citizenship. For years, Shanti had lived without a valid citizenship and without knowing her true origins. That meant the she struggled to access employment opportunities or essential services. And did not know where she truly belonged. Her birth certificate contained fabricated details, making it difficult to trace back her roots. With the help of OVN, supported by GSIF, investigations were carried out, mobilizing both institutional and personal networks. The team also worked with Shanti to piece together fragments of her childhood memories. Their efforts led to a breakthrough, tracing her roots back to the Parbat district.
In January, OVN coordinated with local authorities in Parbat to begin the process of securing her citizenship and traveled with Shanti to her hometown. The family had searched for Shanti for years, never giving up hope of finding her. After 15 long years, Shanti reunited with her sister and her mother. Tears of joy flowed as they held onto each other, overwhelmed by the reality of being reunited again. The reunion was an emotional moment beyond words. Local authorities committed to supporting the family and assisting with the formalities to prepare Shanti’s citizenship.
Shanti’s story demonstrates the importance of holistic interventions in empowering survivors of exploitation. Through counseling, legal aid, skill development, and advocacy, Shanti has been able to reclaim her life. With her citizenship secured, she has now a clear path ahead and looks to the future with optimism and hope.
