Almost Eloped In Hopes of Food Security

Jirvani (19) is the seventh and youngest daughter in a huge family of 9. One may think, “Oh, how lucky, she is not the eldest or the breadwinner!” But many children in extreme poverty would suffer from the effects of it regardless of the birth order. When we interviewed her, she shared that she had only studied until 5th grade due to destitution. Every day, they worry about what they will eat in the moment and the next day to come. Even the most basic human necessities like food are most difficult to meet.

Their parents have been working their fingers to the bone with all the labor jobs they could do just to feed their large family. When she dropped out, Jirvani started working in other people’s houses to add to the household’s income.

Her life took a different turn when she met a man named Narendra (20) from their village. First, they started with playful banters where he teased her and she would pretend to be annoyed. The teasing turned into actual conversations until a special friendship blossomed and Narendra proposed. To Nepali girls (especially in rural Nepal,) marriage could be a ticket to financial stability (or at least ease financial burdens.) It does not only apply to the bride, but also her family. Not only did Narendra confess his deep love and dedication to her, he also promised her financial support. He even said that he could not live without her. Jirvani thought of her hungry parents and siblings as he offered this seemingly beautiful life ahead of her— and thought that it was the best deal. Here is a man who both loves her and wants to take care of her, what could go wrong? So she accepted his proposal.

Narendra was pleased to hear her decision so he suggested they elope as soon as possible and move to India. According to him, they could find better job prospects there and she could still help her family from afar while living a stable and comfortable life. He painted her a picture of their life there. He spoke of not only a secure amount of food supply, but also delicious ones! It was the ultimate luxury to Jirvani’s ears. Although she had not been to India, she believed in her heart that her dreams would come true.

The next day, the pair traveled to India. At our monitoring station, we spotted them and questioned their travel plans as usual. We asked Jirvani for her name, and she gave a different answer. When asked who was accompanying her travel, she told us that he was his brother. A few questions after, Jirvani’s answers showed some quick red flags. When asked for travel documentation, it was clear that she had been lying since the start.

Jirvani was immediately intercepted, and Narendra was taken aside for further questioning. It turns out that Narendra instructed her to lie so as to not seem suspicious. Thankfully, our team was easy to spot it. A quick look at the records and it was shown how he had already tricked other girls in the past and was taken to the police station for further investigation.

As for Jirvani, she was counseled about the dangers of human trafficking. She was relieved that our staff was able to spot the red flags that she never saw due to her strong desire for food security for her and her family. Currently, we are finding ways to help her and her family with this household problem of theirs by tapping into our other Captivating International programs.

Many girls like Jirvani do not know about human trafficking until it almost happens to them. All the more we make it a commitment to help girls like her realize the risks before she is gone forever. Learn more about our interception efforts here.

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