A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023

Prostitution laws in Nepal are governed by the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act dictating a de facto full criminalization. This criminalization impacts the lives of sex workers. Badi caste in Nepal has engaged in prostitution for generations because of social and economic marginalization. Badis belong to the lowest sub-caste among the Dalit caste and are settled in the western districts of Nepal. Bajhang is a district in the Sudhur-Pashchim Province. This study aimed to understand the effect of the criminalization of prostitution and the coping strategies of these effects on the Badi women engaging in prostitution in Bajhang. A qualitative study was conducted among the stakeholder with expert knowledge to understand the perspectives of BSWs. Primary data was the main source of data collection, while secondary data was used to bolster the findings from the primary data. The raw primary data was analyzed using thematic analysis. De facto full criminalization of prostitution has affected the BSWs in multiple ways. Policing and the misuse of power by the state agency have created a difficult environment for the BSWs to work in. A cultural shift is observed where the women are diverging from engaging in prostitution to cope with the effects of the power asymmetry, but limited alternatives have delayed this change. BSWs are in movements in search of clients to different municipalities and to cities. They are changing surnames to reduce targeted threats and discrimination. BSWs have access to healthcare if they have citizenship, but the cost is not affordable enabling most of the population to abstain from receiving one. The population, however, uses protection and does not have STDs. BSW{u2019}s household power is reduced by criminalization as it is risker for them to directly negotiate with the clients. Further, they are facing isolation from other Badis who do not engage in prostitution, increasing their marginalization. Switching identities is helping them cope with discrimination. Lastly, finding alternate occupations is challenging due to lack of education, discrimination, and inexperience. BSWs are exploring different techniques like working dual jobs to adjust their inadequate income, while the government has set up programs to assist them. The effort from the government in formulating the programs and helping the population is inefficient, yet no other organization is helping them to overcome their challenges.