Extent of sexual coercion among young female migrant carpet and garment factory workers in Nepal

Abstract

This paper explores sexual coercion of young female migrant workers in the carpet and garment factories in the Kathmandu Valley. Information is drawn from 12 in-depth case histories and a sample survey of 550 respondents aged 14-19 years. The survey found that one in ten young women had ever experienced sexual harassment or coercion in their lifetime. Perpetrators included co-workers, boyfriends, employers and relatives. In-depth interviews revealed that the inability of young working women to communicate effectively with their peers and sex partners, lack of self esteem, job insecurity and other socio-economic problems made them vulnerable to these abuses. The results suggest the need for a range of factory-based interventions.

Citation

Puri, M.; Cleland, J. Extent of sexual coercion among young female migrant carpet and garment factory workers in Nepal. Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, Southampton, UK (2004) 16 pp.

Extent of sexual coercion among young female migrant carpet and garment factory workers in Nepal

Published 1 January 2004