The stories of countless individuals, particularly women and children, ensnared in the brutal web of human trafficking exploitation, serve as a reminder of the challenges the country faces. However, within these challenges, education is emerging as a way to birth hope and a powerful catalyst for change. The human trafficking trade preys on the ignorance, desperation, and vulnerability of its victims, making education one of the most potent weapons against it.

In the effort to combat human trafficking, education stands as a front-line offensive. Education does more than empower; it enlightens. It gifts the power of knowledge, enabling individuals to make informed choices, recognise the covert tactics of traffickers, and stand against the darkness. Education has the potential to become Nepal’s best prevention methodology, particularly through community awareness programs.

Formal education is something of a luxury throughout rural Nepal. The close connection between poverty and illiteracy has far-reaching consequences, one of which is an increased vulnerability to falling victim to trafficking. Education is often scarce in impoverished regions, and struggling families often have no choice but to have their children work for income, making them more susceptible to exploitation and human trafficking. This dire situation is most pronounced in rural areas with the lowest literacy rates.

The gender gap in literacy exacerbates the risk. Women and children statistically have the lowest literacy rates, lacking even basic reading and writing skills. Culturally, women are traditionally expected to remain at home, tending to household and childcare duties while men work outside, so the risk of them being trafficked increases.

The impact of illiteracy and poverty on susceptibility to trafficking is a distressing reality, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to improve education and economic opportunities, especially for women, in these regions to combat the trafficking industry.

In addressing the need to provide anti-trafficking education to the most vulnerable, often illiterate parts of society, we found that utilising “Street theatre” was a simple and effective solution. The lively performances of street theatres showcase the talents of local actors who engage in emotive roleplays, vividly illustrating the dangers of trafficking and offering the audience practical guidance on staying safe. These vibrant spectacles are accessible to everyone, culturally relevant, and possess the remarkable ability to bring awareness easily. More memorable and impacting than a flier and further reaching as the dramatic performances bridge the literacy barrier and make an impact on all who see them.

Workshops, Seminars and events like “International Women’s Day” allow us the opportunity to elevate such theatre initiatives to a wider platform and educate other parts of Nepalese society. Here, community engagement takes a multi-faceted approach, featuring workshops and seminars led by experts in the field. These gatherings foster open dialogues, dispel myths, and awaken a sense of responsibility within communities. They propel individuals into action, igniting hope against the evil of trafficking.

Another invaluable area of education is achieved in the moments following interception at a border surveillance booth. It’s in these moments that education shines the brightest. As much as it is the front line and first step in defeating trafficking, it is often the last hope and a lifeline to many. Such as it was in the recent interception of 24-year-old, Alina*. Alina was intercepted while travelling with a young man. Their refusal to provide identification raised suspicions among our staff, prompting the involvement of the border police for further investigation.

Upon closer examination, it was distressingly evident that Alina was, in fact, a victim of human trafficking. Deceived by the promise of a well-paying job in India, she had fallen into a dangerous trap. Our staff immediately stepped in to educate her about the risks associated with human trafficking.

Alina’s parents were found and notified about their daughter’s situation. Filled with relief, they fervently requested our staff to prevent their daughter from crossing the border. Consequently, Alina found sanctuary in our Emergency Shelter Home, where she received both safety and education about the dangers of human trafficking.

Three days later, Alina’s  parents arrived to reunite with their daughter. They expressed their profound appreciation for the swift intervention and the life-saving actions taken by our dedicated staff.

Education is the key to a brighter tomorrow. Knowledge is indeed powerful as a counterattack on the evil that would prey on the naivety of such vulnerable individuals.

In cases like Alina’s, the knowledge learned and understood will be a truth she carries back into her community. A story shared and lesson learnt,  others will be educated, making them resilient to attempts to trick, deceive, and steal their freedom for another’s gain.

Education is empowerment. The young women we intercept, whose homes are not safe havens for them, or whose situation is too high risk, are able to take up a long-term residential  stay in our Safe Houses where the education goes beyond managing and mitigating risk, but stretches into empowerment that enables them to build a life of independence and freedom. From Life Skills’ classes to microenterprise courses, these young women are given the tools to access economic stability and break the poverty cycle once and for all.

As we continue in our efforts to combat human trafficking, it is so important to acknowledge the fundamental significance of education in this struggle. By dedicating resources to education and guaranteeing its availability to all, we have the potential to enable individuals to break free from the grasp of traffickers and avert others from becoming ensnared. Freedom and dignity are inherent to every individual and knowledge empowers freedom.