After rescuing women and girls, rehabilitating and reintegrating them back to society is a crucial step. The ultimate aim of Maiti Nepal is to make rescued individuals independent and capable of contributing to their communities. Survivors, when returned back to their communities, can become powerful voices against the crimes of trafficking and abuse. They are also symbols of resilience and inspiration for many who may have undergone similar circumstances. Voices of survivors are testimonials to our world, pushing us to improve our perspectives and systems to ensure a better life for all.
Maiti Nepal rehabilitates and reintegrates girls and women for a better life and a better future. After the rescue, the women and girls receive counseling and are reunited with their families. Generally, reuniting the rescued women and girls with their families is a safe option. However, there are many instances where they cannot cope with ordinary life because of physical, mental, and psychological traumas. They often feel humiliated and fear the rejection of society. When the rescued are unable to return, Maiti Nepal rehabilitates them and provides essential services to help them lead an ordinary life. Maiti Nepal has two rehabilitation homes in Kathmandu and Sunsari district that have been helping women cope with their traumas and gradually get back to their lives.
As part of Maiti Nepal’s reintegration program, the women and girls receive job placements for economic empowerment, sustainability, and growth. During the time spent in the shelters, Maiti Nepal assesses the knowledge and skill of the survivors. The organization has collaborated with various cooperative houses and organizations for suitable job openings. When the women and girls receive job opportunities, Maiti Nepal provides skills training required for their job like – beautician courses, cooking, housekeeping, bar and barista training, etc. Maiti Nepal also provides these survivors with in-house training in stitching, weaving, arts, and crafts. After the survivors complete their artwork, it is displayed on digital media or exhibited for sale to appreciate their effort and promote their hard work for empowerment.
Rehabilitation homes aim to make these women and girls independent to remove the stigma and discrimination against them. Even after being placed with jobs, Maiti Nepal provides continual support to survivors regarding their well-being, counseling, family reintegration, repatriation, and other support.
What do we do in rehabilitation homes?
● Provide rehabilitation and crisis services
● Provide legal and social support
● Provide hygienic accommodation and food
● Provide psychosocial counseling, health services, and psychotherapy
● Provide vocational training of interest in empowerment through economic opportunities
● Provide formal and non-formal education and awareness on anti-trafficking and safe migration
● Provide opportunities for life-skill development
Women Rehabilitation Home in Itahari
The Women Rehabilitation Home in Bargachhi, Itahari, Sunsari District, Province 1, was established in 2002. The objective of the Home is to rehabilitate and empower girls and women who are survivors of sexual exploitation/trafficking, potential victims of trafficking and rape, sexual assaults, and domestic violence. The Home provides a safe shelter and holistic support to the rescued. It conducts skill-based training like tailoring, embroidery, boutique items, knitting sweaters, caps, socks and woolen bags, needlework, making cushions, loan management, horticulture, and vegetable farming. Throughout the year, the programs focus on the empowerment of the survivors and help them become economically independent. Other skill-based training include life skills, leadership, awareness of anti-human trafficking, and safe migration.
Women Rehabilitation Home in Kathmandu
The Women Rehabilitation Home in Kathmandu, Province 3, was established in 1993, the birth year of Maiti Nepal. The Home is an ongoing project. Its key activities include
● Providing shelter,
● Arranging formal and non-formal education
● Imparting vocational, income-generating, and life skills
● Offering micro-credit support
● Facilitating medical checkups and treatments
● Conducting counseling and psychotherapy sessions
● Providing legal aid service and prosecute against accused criminals
● Identifying parents of the rescued
● Encouraging residents to become self-reliant
Residents of the Home belong to a heterogeneous mix. They include
girls and women rescued, vulnerable, and at high risk of trafficking or were trafficked, survivors of domestic violence and rape