Badi Plight

A couple of days ago, more than a hundred badi protestors agitating in front of the parliament were arrested by security personnel. A few of them were also injured when the police baton-charged to disperse the agitating protestors.

Earlier, the badis picketed the residence of prime Minster Girija Prasad Koirala while the male and female badis protested semi-nude around Maitighar and Singha Durbar respectively, pressing the government to fulfill their 20 point demand that includes, among others, two seats for the badi community in the Constituent Assembly (CA) and farm lands for alternate means of living. The badis, who originally hail from Western Nepal , have come a long way with hopes of emancipation from the sex trade. At this juncture, it is foolish to overlook their plight and accuse them of being incited by a bunch of non-governmental organization.

Every citizen has the right to a dignified living in a democratic state. And, it is the responsibility of the government to address the basic needs of minorities and disadvantage communities, and guarantee them a dignified living. Traditionally recognized as commercial sex workers, the badis are one of the most disadvantaged, exploited and [neglected] ethnic communities. In badi community, husbands are [forced to] push their wives and daughters in to the vortex sex trade to make a living. The majority of badi women have no idea of safe sex. There are reports that having sex with multiple partners has infected the badi women with different sexual Transmitted Disease (STD), including HIV/AIDS. [When] the disadvantaged groups such the badi community send their political representatives in the CA, it will began a process of reintegrating the community into the political mainstream.

It is a matter of national shame that the badis, who came to the capital from different districts, were forced to stage a semi-nude protest in front of Singh Durbar to draw the government’s attention towards their plight. The semi-nude protest has eroded the country’s image and exhibited the government’ indifferent attitude towards the plight of backward communities. It is high time the government considered the plight of the disadvantaged communities, including the badis and the deukis engaged in sex trade. It is also a good gesture that the badis have chosen a peaceful means to make their demands heard. It would be wise on the part of the government to address the 20-point demands of the badi community and come to an agreement with them. Let us hope the government pays due heed to ensure the rights of the badi community before the things get out of control.

Courtesy- The Kathmandu Post-Editroial (29 August 2007)

(Provided to nepaldalitinfo network through Suman Paudel)