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I was born in a small rural village in Nepal. When I was five years old, my father passed away, leaving my mother to support me and my three sisters on her own. 

After a few months, she left us behind to go earn money in the city. We were very young, and had no idea where she had gone or when she would come back. Luckily, our grandparents and an uncle began to care for us, but we were still very poor.

A few years went by, and then my older sister decided to leave the village in search of work too. She was just 13 years old, I was 10, and my younger sisters were eight and five. We waited and waited for her to come back, but she never did. It was now my responsibility to care for my younger sisters.

When I turned 12, I received a marriage proposal from one of the families in our village. I did not want to accept, but I had no choice. I was forced to marry their 18-year-old son. Even though child marriage is illegal in Nepal, there is still a strong tradion in the culture. If a man likes a girl, he can forcefully take her into his home, and they are considered “married” even without a ceremony.

My life became even harder. During the day I did all the housework for my parents-in-law, and in the evening I would go to my grandparents’ home to care for my sisters. 

One day, some men who claimed to be distant relatives suggested to me that I should go to Kathmandu to earn more money and have a better life. They would show me photos of famous actresses and tell me that I could have a life just like them. 

I was just a child, so of course I believed them. I desperately wanted to believe in the dream of having a better life. So I decided to run away with these “relatives” who had promised me a good job.

I did not know where Kathmandu was, but I had heard that it was a place where everyone wanted to go. I was happy and excited to be going somewhere new.

After a few days they took me to the airport, saying that we were going to a place where they would give me a job. I did not know where they were taking me. During travel, they told me that if anyone asked, “Who is this man with you?” I should tell them he is my father and we are traveling for a holiday.

But fortunately, one day, the police found us, and my friends and I were taken away in a van.

At first I thought it was a medical support van, but later I realized that we were being rescued. We stayed overnight at the police station and they asked us some questions about us and our families. We did not tell them everything correctly, though, because we didn’t trust them. 

The next day they took us to stay with an organization in India that offers short term care. The people there were kind and gave us good opportunities to study and learn, but we could not stay there, since they only offered temporary shelter.

We were told about another organization, back home in Nepal, that would be able to give a more permanent place to stay. I had a hard time trusting, but ultimately decided to go, despite my hesitations.

When I arrived at this new home I was welcomed by many girls singing. They placed a flower garland around my neck and gave me chocolate and hugs. I could see that I had been wrong, and I was amazed to see such good people around me. 

Many wonderful and unbelievable things happened as I grew up in this new home with many beautiful sisters. I was able to go to school and learn new skills like sewing and tailoring. I was very happy and felt that I had dignity. I felt that my new life was starting by leaving my past behind. 

I used to think that I didn't have any meaning in my life. But my new family loved me and cared for me. Seeing all this, I could feel the value of my life and wanted to live again.

Staying in the safe home for nine years made me capable and independent. I felt that my new life was starting by leaving my past behind. 

Eventually, my friends and I decided to move out of the home and live in our own apartment. We wanted other girls to receive the same opportunities we had been given. It was time to let someone else take our place.

Even living outside of the safe home, our leaders still supported us. They were there whenever we needed them. We never worried, because our “family” was always close by.

Now, at 28, I’m working in a training center doing tailoring and teaching skills to other girls. I love my job and enjoy the work. I’m also learning to bake! It feels so good to earn my own money and support my family. 

I am grateful toward this organization for who I am today. The main thing that I have received is love. I used to think my life didn’t have any meaning, but these people, this family, has shown me the value of my life.

I am still learning many things and trying to give back what I can.

Deception

Victims of trafficking are lured or coerced under false pretenses, such as promises of improved opportunities, education, higher-paying jobs or even intangible needs like love and acceptance. Ultimately, traffickers prey upon the vulnerability of individuals, taking advantage of their trust.

Control

Victims may find themselves under the control of another individual, regardless of whether they are physically moved to a different location or not. This control can involve restrictions on their freedom, manipulation, and coercion, exerting power over their lives and decisions.

Exploitation

Victims find themselves trapped, either physically and/or psychologically, experiencing various forms of exploitation, such as forced labour or sexual slavery. They suffer from unspeakable abuse and are coerced into complying with their exploiter, resulting in a profound loss of personal freedom and dignity.

What unfolded next were the darkest years of my life. I was forced to take growth hormones three times a day. They would tell me It was candy, and I believed them. Then, after six months of taking hormones and doing housework, I was brought to a brothel to begin taking customers. In this moment, I realized that both me and my sister had been horribly deceived by the promise of a better life.

There were many girls working in the brothel. The owners would constantly threaten us, telling us that if we did not do as they said, we would not get food. There was no way to escape. During the one year I was trapped there I faced many difficulties and was forced to suffer many things.  

At the end of each month the brothel owner would come and take all the money myself and the other girls had earned. Any time police would come, the owner would hide us.

When the plane landed, we next got on a train. I still had no idea where they were taking me. When we arrived at our final destination, the men handed me over to two women who were waiting for us. I was told that these women would give me work. 

I noticed the women give a suitcase to the men. I am not sure what was inside, but now I think it must have been their payment for bringing me there. 

When the women showed me where I was to stay, I saw many other small girls. Surprisingly, I saw my childhood best friend from the village! This made me happy at first, but then she said to me, “Why did you come here? It is not a nice place.” When the older women saw us talking, they immediately separated us and told me that I was not allowed to speak to my friend anymore.

Another girl recognized me and said she knew my sister. I couldn’t believe it! But when I spoke to my sister on the phone, she shouted at me, “Why did you come here and what are you doing here?” In my simple mind, I replied, “If you can come then why can't I?” 

My sister continued to explain what this place was and what kind of “job” I was going to be given. I had a hard time believing her. But soon I understood where I was: I was in India.

Intervention

Victims are typically able to exit trafficking through collaborative efforts involving local government agencies, nationally-led organizations and NGOs. In cases where individuals have been taken from their home country, efforts are made to repatriate victims—with the hope of securing long-term care and restoration.

Restoration

Ally's aftercare programs focus on supporting child survivors in their healing and rebuilding journey. Recovery for children takes time, typically up to 10 years. Our dedicated local partner teams provide vital services such as education, safe housing, counseling, and long-term support during this crucial period.

Reintegration

When young adults are ready to build an independent future, we walk with them, sponsoring transitional housing costs, vocational training and university tuition. Alongside our dedicated local partners, we’re empowering survivors to write new stories.

Prevention

Education and awareness about the warning signs and brutal realities of human trafficking are vital to prevention. Though trafficking can look different in different countries, one thing remains the same: traffickers always prey on vulnerability. Ally works to prevent child exploitation through developing educational resources, giving awareness presentations and supporting at-risk communities with basic needs.