At 15 Loma was offered a chance of a new life away from her homeland of Nepal. It seemed like a life line. Having been married off as a child, she had already borne and lost two children. Her husband had given up on her and was looking for a new wife, and his family treated her with ridicule and abuse. So when given the chance of a new life in the city, she was sure her life could only improve.
Sadly, Loma ended up in Mumbai (Bombay) where she was repeatedly forced to give her body over to men for what this world so often calls 'love'.
Loma is not alone in this situation as literally tens of thousands of girls are thought to be earning their living through prostitution, living and working in the brothels in the red light zone of downtown Mumbai. Most of them come there against their will, with thousands coming from Nepal every year, often as young as 12 years of age.
The girls are grossly abused and instilled with fear so they soon learn to trust no one. By the time they have paid off the debt (the sum paid for them by the 'madam') they are in theory free, but the stigma of what has happened to them means they cannot go home and they don't know how to live a 'normal' life. They are often illiterate, uneducated and have no skills. They have poor access to health care, and studies show that over 40% are HIV positive.
When the girls reach their early twenties their ability to attract customers dwindles, as customers prefer younger girls, believing they are less likely to be HIV positive. Some of the girls manage to buy a set of rooms and become a madam, while others become, for example, 'maids' for the younger girls and madams. Those who are HIV positive and can no longer hide their HIV status are normally thrown onto the street, where often the only choice they have is to beg until they die. The plight of these girls seems hopeless and 'love' is a dirty word.
The Aruna Project aims to share the love and hope that only Jesus Christ can bring. The name 'Aruna' means 'Bright Morning Sun' bringing the picture of hope after the dark night. The project is still in its infancy, but through regular visits to the girls, precious friendships have been built. When suitable premises can be found a Drop in Centre will enable the girls to access help, either at the centre or through referrals for training, work, experience, rehousing, repatriation and, when necessary, hospice care.
Getting to know the girls is a real privilege and we have been made to feel very much 'at home'. One day when visiting Loma, some other girls came to introduce themselves to us. Having asked us where we lived, they asked 'How's your business'?' and Do you work from a bar or privately?' We had to smile, but it showed the positive level of acceptance, and we were encouraged.
There have been so many encouragements with the work-, but the biggest encouragement has- been the girls themselves. They are fully aware of the 'love' of this world and the lack of hope that it and they long for real love - a love that encompasses hope and trust.
Jill Patient is a partner with lnterserve and has completed a Master's course in Community Medicine at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine with the help of an MMA grant
Sadly, Loma ended up in Mumbai (Bombay) where she was repeatedly forced to give her body over to men for what this world so often calls 'love'.
Loma is not alone in this situation as literally tens of thousands of girls are thought to be earning their living through prostitution, living and working in the brothels in the red light zone of downtown Mumbai. Most of them come there against their will, with thousands coming from Nepal every year, often as young as 12 years of age.
The girls are grossly abused and instilled with fear so they soon learn to trust no one. By the time they have paid off the debt (the sum paid for them by the 'madam') they are in theory free, but the stigma of what has happened to them means they cannot go home and they don't know how to live a 'normal' life. They are often illiterate, uneducated and have no skills. They have poor access to health care, and studies show that over 40% are HIV positive.
When the girls reach their early twenties their ability to attract customers dwindles, as customers prefer younger girls, believing they are less likely to be HIV positive. Some of the girls manage to buy a set of rooms and become a madam, while others become, for example, 'maids' for the younger girls and madams. Those who are HIV positive and can no longer hide their HIV status are normally thrown onto the street, where often the only choice they have is to beg until they die. The plight of these girls seems hopeless and 'love' is a dirty word.
The Aruna Project aims to share the love and hope that only Jesus Christ can bring. The name 'Aruna' means 'Bright Morning Sun' bringing the picture of hope after the dark night. The project is still in its infancy, but through regular visits to the girls, precious friendships have been built. When suitable premises can be found a Drop in Centre will enable the girls to access help, either at the centre or through referrals for training, work, experience, rehousing, repatriation and, when necessary, hospice care.
Getting to know the girls is a real privilege and we have been made to feel very much 'at home'. One day when visiting Loma, some other girls came to introduce themselves to us. Having asked us where we lived, they asked 'How's your business'?' and Do you work from a bar or privately?' We had to smile, but it showed the positive level of acceptance, and we were encouraged.
There have been so many encouragements with the work-, but the biggest encouragement has- been the girls themselves. They are fully aware of the 'love' of this world and the lack of hope that it and they long for real love - a love that encompasses hope and trust.
Jill Patient is a partner with lnterserve and has completed a Master's course in Community Medicine at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine with the help of an MMA grant
