Extent of Sexual Coercion among Young Migrant Workers and Their Sexual Health Problems in Nepal

Mahesh Puri, University of Southampton
John Cleland, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

This paper explores the problem of sexual coercion and sexual health problems of young female migrant workers in the Kathmandu Valley. Information is drawn from 23 in-depth case histories and a sample survey of 550 respondents aged 14-19 years. The survey found that one in ten young girls had ever experienced sexual assault and coercion in their lifetime. Perpetrators included co-workers, boy friends, employers and relatives. In-depth interviews revealed that the inability of young working girls to communicate effectively with their peers and sex partners, lack of self esteem, job insecurity and other socio-cultural problems made them vulnerable to these abuses. Similarly, one in seven girls were experiencing signs and symptoms of STIs and an overwhelming majority of them had not sought any treatment for these problems. The results suggest the need for a range of factory-based interventions.