Stakeholder Interaction Program in Attariya: 28 Girls and Women Rescued from Trafficking-Related Vulnerabilities

The event, chaired by Mr. Rajan Sunar, the Founder and Executive Director of Jyoti Community Development Service Nepal, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to combat human trafficking and support vulnerable populations in the region. 

Among the notable attendees were Mrs. Sarada Devi Rokaya, Deputy Mayor of Godawari Municipality; Mrs. Kiran Joshi, Assistant Chief District Officer of Kailali; Police Inspector of Area Police Office; ward chairpersons; journalists; representatives from various organizations; and members of the Bus Operation Committee. Their presence marked a strong collective resolve to address the alarming trend of human trafficking in the area. 

During the program, Jeevan Gahatraj, Program Coordinator of Jyoti Community Development Service Nepal, presented a series of impactful statistics. He revealed that 934 women, who were about to leave for India from the Attariya bus park without informing their families, were rescued and counseled, eventually returning home safely. Among the 934 total women who received support or intervention, 829 were unmarried and 105 were married, shedding light on the demographic most at risk. 

In the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2081/82 alone, the Attariya branch of the organization has rescued 28 girls and women from trafficking-related vulnerabilities. Of these, 15 individuals were given shelter, 11 were rescued at the border with police assistance, and 2 were referred to other similar organizations for further care. 

Deputy Mayor Rokaya, addressing the gathering, acknowledged the grave issue and emphasized the municipality's efforts to combat human trafficking, noting that sustainable collaboration between government and civil society is essential for impactful change. Jyoti Community Development Service Nepal, with its head office in Chitwan and operational branches in areas like Nawalparasi and Attariya, continues to focus on empowering underprivileged women through income-generating and skill-based programs. These initiatives are aimed at making women self-reliant and integrated members of society. The organization also extends its support to children lacking educational opportunities and runs continuous campaigns against human trafficking. 

This interaction program served not just as a platform to share progress and challenges, but also as a catalyst for strengthening partnerships and forging new strategies to safeguard at-risk communities. With the collaboration of local government bodies, law enforcement, transport associations, and media, Jyoti Community Development Service Nepal hopes to further its mission of a trafficking-free society.