In the Makwanpur district south of the capital Kathmandu, AWO International works together with the Nepalese partner organization WoSCC. An important criterion for the selection of the partner organization was its good relations with government representatives in the district, in the province and at central level. Also, the partner organization has established a good reputation within the target group on the spot and furthermore benefits from the geographical location of the office in Hetauda. As the capital of Bagmati Pradesh Province, Hetauda is an important hub for Nepal's domestic trade. Nevertheless, the district is one of the poorest regions in the country and accounts high densities of ethnic minorities. According to the 2011 census, 84% of the population of Makwanpur region and Manhari, located in the west of Makwanpur, belong to an ethnic community. In general, the infrastructure is inadequate and opportunities for employment are scarce. Due to the high poverty rate, the large number of disadvantaged communities, many families decide to leave the city. The Gulf States and Malaysia are considered as popular destinations for migrant workers.
Due to the increasing demand for labour in Kathmandu and the proximity of brothels in India, there is also an increasing number of trafficking of men, women and children in this area.
How we work with WoSCC in the project area
An important part of the project is the establishment of various meeting centres, which provide space and exchange about safe migration. This offer is taken up weekly by potentially endangered migrants, survivors and victims of human trafficking. In addition, participants are strengthened in their ability to represent their interests in front of the local government. Thus, by the end of the project, representatives of the local government are to be convinced to develop and implement strategies for safe migration and the prevention of human trafficking. Furthermore, awareness-raising measures within the communities play an important role. By July 2022, for instance, at least 2,400 school children from the project area will be educated about safe labour migration and the prevention of human trafficking, for example through plays and guided debates in school lessons. Information material and the broadcasting of thematically relevant radio programmes will supplement the educational measures. The project is also setting up a counselling centre where potentially vulnerable migrants can get information, particularly about legal issues. To show these people an alternative to migration and prospects of staying, training courses for income-generating measures are offered, for example for off-seasonal and seasonal vegetable farming, beekeeping and shoe production.
Projectinfo
| Project | Promotion of Safe Migration and Prevention of Human Trafficking in Makawanpur District |
|---|---|
| Place/Region | The project activities are implemented in Hetauda and Manhari in Makwanpur District (Bagmati Pradesh Province) |
| Partner | Women Skill Creation Centre (WoSCC) |
| Target group | Potentially vulnerable migrants as well as victims and survivors of human trafficking and unsafe migration are directly supported by the project. The project focuses particularly on women and vulnerable groups in the project area. |
| Activities |
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| Duration | 2023 - 2025 |
| Budget | 326,000€ |
| Sponsor | BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) |
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