Bharatpur Metropolitan City, a vibrant hub in Nepal, has become a beacon for immigrants from various districts seeking a better life. The fertile plains, developed infrastructure, and government land distribution for the landless have drawn many to its welcoming embrace. However, this influx has also led to the growth of informal settlements, where the dreams of a better life often clash with harsh realities. Among these settlements is Aaptari, a well-known squatter community nestled in Ward 2, adjacent to the Muglin-Narayangadh highway.
The Aaptari Settlement: A Tapestry of Stories
Established in 1990, Aaptari was born from the struggles of families displaced by natural disasters and economic hardship. The settlement is home to ten respondents, each with a unique story of migration from districts like Sindhuli, Kalaiya, Lamjung, Syangja, Kaski, Gulmi, Parbat, and Dang. Among them, four families had previously migrated from Bandarjhula in Chitwan, showcasing the interconnectedness of their journeys.
The respondents, aged between 18 and 60, primarily identified as homemakers, while their spouses worked as laborers in various sectors, including fruit and vegetable transportation, iron workshops, and clothing sales. Despite their hard work, none were employed in the formal sector, and two spouses had sought opportunities abroad. After years of struggle, many families were in the process of obtaining land ownership certificates (Lalpurja), as Bharatpur Metropolitan City began recognizing Aaptari as registered land.
The residents of Aaptari faced significant economic challenges. They were not linked to financial institutions and lacked regular saving habits. While they were aware of the nine categories of social security schemes offered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, such as elderly and widow allowances, they were not connected to any contributory social protection schemes. However, their association with the Indreni Tol Bikas Samiti, established with the support of Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS), provided a glimmer of hope.
The community showed great potential for self-employment, driven by the enthusiasm of its younger members. With skill development training and seed money, they believed they could embark on new income-generating activities. The respondents expressed gratitude to SUS for its support, recognizing the importance of guidance in navigating their economic challenges.
The Adult Entertainment Sector: A Complex Reality
In contrast to the struggles of Aaptari, the Adult Entertainment Sector (AES) in Bharatpur, particularly the Lok Dohori Sanjh, has a different narrative. Established nearly 20 years ago, this sector employs artists who perform on stage, as well as waitstaff who interact directly with customers. Our focus group discussion (FGD) centered on the performers, who hailed from neighboring districts like Lamjung, Tanahu, Syangja, and Pokhara.
The performers, ranging in age from 16 to 40, included unmarried, married, and separated individuals. Many worked double jobs, balancing their passion for singing and dancing with other responsibilities. While the primary motivation for joining the AES was to sustain their livelihoods, a genuine love for performance also drove them. Most respondents came from socially and economically deprived backgrounds, facing emotional challenges such as loss, divorce, and domestic violence.
Despite the challenges, the performers found joy and purpose in their work. They expressed a lifelong passion for singing and dancing, believing in their potential to build a career in the AES. The supportive environment created by a female owner, who was also the founder of the National Lok Dohor Pratishthan, contributed to their sense of safety and well-being. Working hours were reasonable, and earnings ranged from NRs. 6,000 to NRs. 18,000, consistent with labor laws. The performers appreciated the tips they received, which were theirs to keep.
However, the lack of written contracts and job security created uncertainty. Many performers frequently changed service centers if they felt unsafe or dissatisfied with their remuneration. The working environment was often noisy and smoky, leading to mental stress among some respondents, who expressed a need for counseling.
Gita (a pseudonym), a 32-year-old separated woman, is a talented singer working at a Lok Dohori Sanjh (dance bar) in Narayangadh, Bharatpur. She has a 13-year-old son, who does not live with her. Gita has always had a passion for singing and dancing, often performing in her school’s annual cultural programs. However, her dreams were put on hold due to her family’s financial struggles.
At the age of 16, Gita was married to a man from Gunjanagar, Chitwan. After two years of marriage, she became pregnant, but her husband, suspecting infidelity, pressured her to have an abortion. Gita refused, leading to escalating conflicts that eventually turned into severe domestic violence. Unable to endure the abuse any longer, she left her husband and returned to her parents in Bharatpur.
After a couple of years, Gita connected with the owner of a Lok Dohori Sanjh, a folk song bar, and secured a job there. She describes the establishment as a “very safe, well-disciplined, and good place for women to work.” Gita has found happiness in her job and even released an album of her songs.
While she occasionally meets her son and provides support for his education, Gita has faced significant health challenges, including a battle with uterine cancer that required extensive treatment. Fortunately, she received support from Samari, an NGO, Lok Dohori Pratishthan, and her workplace during her recovery.
Currently, Gita lives with a friend who also works at the Lok Dohori Sanjh, as her parents have passed away. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “Initially, I took this job out of necessity, but it has now become my passion. I will continue to work as long as I can, and I will do everything I can to support my son with the money I earn.” Gita’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to her family.
Suntali (a pseudonym), a 19-year-old permanent resident of a village in Lamjung District, Bagmati Province, has faced significant challenges in her young life. After losing her mother, she has been living with her stepmother. During her school years, Suntali discovered her passion for dance and often organized dance programs at her school.
Upon graduating from the 10th grade, Suntali sought guidance from her elder sisters in the village and decided to move to Bharatpur. There, she secured an evening job at Lok Dohori Sangh, a local dance bar, and received financial support from Samari Utthan Sewa to continue her education in grades 11 and 12. The elders at the dance bar have been instrumental in protecting Suntali and her colleagues from potential sexual harassment, creating a safer work environment.
With her monthly salary and daily tips from guests, Suntali has been able to earn a decent income, which not only supports her livelihood but also helps her family financially. Recently, she completed her 12th grade and plans to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program in management in the upcoming academic session. Additionally, she is pursuing parlor training to expand her skills.
Suntali has also brought her younger sister to Bharatpur, who has just completed her 10th grade. Following in Suntali’s footsteps, her sister has joined the same dance bar where Suntali works and plans to enroll in college in the next academic session.
Committed to supporting her family’s educational needs, Suntali occasionally sends money home to cover household expenses and contribute to her younger brother’s education. She is dedicated to ensuring that her siblings have the opportunity to pursue their studies.
Feeling safe in her current job, Suntali intends to continue working part-time at the dance bar until she completes her Bachelor’s degree and secures a better job. Her journey reflects her resilience and determination to create a brighter future for herself and her family.
Financial Awareness and Future Aspirations
Despite their earnings, the performers did not utilize formal financial institutions for saving. They were unaware of the importance of saving for future security and often spent their income on makeup and clothing to maintain their glamorous appearance. While they had heard of non-contributory social security schemes, they were not familiar with the Social Security Fund (SSF) and its potential benefits.
The performers were members of a newly formed group called Pahichan Nepal, supported by SUS. They received capacity-building training and expressed gratitude for the support, hoping for further assistance to strengthen their group and improve their livelihoods.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The stories from Aaptari and the Adult Entertainment Sector in Bharatpur reflect the resilience and determination of individuals navigating the complexities of migration, economic hardship, and social challenges. Both communities, though different in their experiences, share a common desire for empowerment, stability, and a brighter future.
With the support of organizations like Samari Utthan Sewa, these individuals are beginning to forge a path toward self-sufficiency and dignity. As they work together to build their futures, the spirit of hope and resilience continues to thrive in Bharatpur, a city that embodies the dreams and struggles of its diverse inhabitants.
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