By Milena Rampoldi and Denise Nanni, ProMosaik. In the following our interview with Birendra of the Nepal Friendship Society engaged against poverty, child marriage, and human trafficking in Nepal
Tell us about the history of the Nepal Friendship Society?
The Nepal Friendship Society is an Non Government and non-profit organization (NGO), founded in 2012, with a group of Youth from Chitwan, Nepal. Our main objectives are the empowerment of children, youth and women to improve the conditions of our local communities and of our country in general.
What are the main social issues within Nepalese society?
The main problems in Nepal are political, instability, and environmental issues. We have still 41% of girls married before age 18 although child marriage is illegal. Poverty, gender equality and social inclusion are also current issues within Nepalese communities.
In what ways do you promote communities empowerment?
Our working areas are environment, support for quality education, human rights and peace. We are engaged in the empowerment of children, youth and women using our resources to organize workshops, leadership programs and trainings as well as orientation sessions.
What are the main sources of inequality and how do you address them?
There are many sources of inequality such as poverty, quality education, gender based violence, etc. In Nepal many women remain trapped in poverty.
We provide educational materials to schools and students. We organize environmental and human trafficking orientation in schools and also in communities. NFS also offers its support, by sending volunteer teachers to rural communities to help them to improve in education.
What is the current situation related to human trafficking in Nepal and how do you address this issue?
According to the UNICEF report of 2016, there are 7.000 women and girls trafficked from Nepal to India every year. Sex trafficking is growing problem in Nepal. We need to work together to address this issue. NFS uses social media like Facebook, Twitter, and the blog of the organisation to make people aware of the situation of trafficked Nepalese girls and women. We explain the traffickers‘ tactics and strategies, and organize talks with schoold children, youth leaders and people working with children or teens to make them aware of the problem. Women have to be alert when travelling and raise their voice against trafficking. Since, only "together we can change our local communities, our country and the world."