Changing the Lives of Badi Women and Children

Badi Ko Sathi is a non-profit organization that aims to educate the underprivileged Badi children of Thalara village, and to raise societal awareness about the Badi people. The Badi are an ethnic minority predominantly residing in Western Nepal. They were associated with prostitution in the past, and are often still treated as untouchables in Nepalese society. In addition to great social inequities, the Badi face grave economic and legal challenges, including access to citizenship and discrimination in education, employment and land-ownership. Badi Ko Sathi has been operating for three years and is currently supporting the education of 25 Badi children in Thalara. V.E.N.T! Magazine talked to the four founders, Archana Joshee, Jharana Joshee, Raksha Pant and Mridula Shrestha of Badi Ko Sathi.

There are so many unprivileged groups. Can you tell us more about the Badi people and why you guys chose that particular group? What was the source of inspiration for starting this? 

When the four of us first started this venture together in Washington D.C. , we were all looking for a way to help underprivileged women in Nepal , and we heard from one of our dads of the plight of the Badi people in western Nepal . The Badi face very unique and difficult challenges, both on economic and sociocultural levels. Badi families are heavily discriminated against because of their ethnicity and their historically associated trade of prostitution. Many Badi women are not prostitutes, and are trying to find alternatives but finding it difficult because of social and economic barriers. Education and basic resources are often inaccessible, or unaffordable. This has to change, and we want to help bring about that change. That’s the main goal of Badi Ko Sathi.

What is the main obstacle trying to fund/create a program in Nepal from the US , besides the logistical challenges?  

Communication has definitely been our main obstacle.  Donors always want accountability, as do we, but it is often difficult to get the reporting we would like back from the village we are working in (Thalara) because the area is so remote and technology pretty nonexistent, and because we don't have designated staff there to help us. We received a lot of help from CARE International’s Nepal chapter when we began our work, but we are now working with a local committee. Luckily, the leadership there is dedicated to the project as well.

At one point you all lived in the Washington D.C. area during the formation of this project, now everyone is states apart, has this hampered the project? 

No, actually being apart, we are able to bring more awareness.  We have met different people in different locations and have been able to talk to more people about our organization and spread the word.

What is the future goal of the project?

The goal of our project is sustainability.  We would like to see the Badi children we support get education and stand on their own feet without getting involved in prostitution.  We would like to see them become self-sufficient and able to support their family members if they would like to. And of course our other big goal is to continue to raise awareness of the Badi plight, as there are still many not aware of these group of people.

Is most of the financial contribution from Nepalese or Americans?

We are fortunate to have the support from the Nepalese as well as American communities.  We make an effort to invite people from different backgrounds to all our fundraising events and we receive support from all community members.

Due to corruption, there is skepticism toward NGOs. How do you plan on maintaining trust and reputation for the project? 

We are always striving to maintain transparency both in our work here in the US and from the local community in Nepal . We have taken two primary measures to maintain transparency. First we have created a committee of locals in the village to oversee the projects and communicate to us the needs of the children. The committee consists of a variety of individuals, ranging from the parents of the girls we support to the headmaster (principal) of the school—this structure really helps us as it prevents us from making any particular individual accountable for anything that may go wrong.  We want to make the community part of this effort, part of helping their children help themselves.  It’s not only a way to ensure their trust and involvement in the girls’ education and lives, but also to ensure accountability of their actions. Second, we have two individuals who are not directly affiliated with the Badis that are helping us ensure that the funds are being utilized in the right manner.

 
How successful have you been in stopping prostitution and driving students into schools instead?  

During our conversations with the Badi parents, students as well as the teachers and local community members of Thalara, we were encouraged by the unanimous belief that education is the main medium that can open doors for this community.  The parents were genuinely interested in sending their kids to school to provide them with alternative career options for their futures.  The main challenge they face is the lack of financial stability in the community.  Through the scholarship program, Badi Ko Sathi is providing financial support to the families, which encourages the parents to continue to send their kids to school.  With the program underway for only three years now, we cannot tell how successful we have been in stopping prostitution but we hope that with our continued efforts, these children will find better alternatives for their future.   

Any resistance from family or society in these Badi towns? 

Sending a girl to school is one less hand to help around the house.  Fortunately this has not been the case. The parents in Thalara all seem genuinely interested in educating both their sons and daughters.  We were concerned with one of our students who got married recently but were encouraged when her mother- in- law also wished to see her graduate from school.

How do you select which child gets your funds? 

We are fortunate that we have not had to choose. Right now all the Badi girls in Thalara that we are aware of and need assistance are part of our program. We have considered expanding the program to cover boys as well but would need much more funding to do so.

What advice do you have for people who also want to start such programs? Any advice or pointers on starting programs as this?  

We would encourage them to find projects that they are passionate about and work on their plans to start the programs. When you are first starting, set goals and expectations that are attainable. And network with other existing organizations. There is a lot we can leverage from each other. And be patient. Your hard work will pay off eventually.

How does one go about supporting your cause?  

We are always looking for donors, and you can make a payment online at badikosathi.org/donate.Your donations are tax-free as we are a 501(c)(3) organization. We also have various fundraising events in the US (so far we have held them in DC, NY, and CA) which you can find out about on our website, badikosathi.org. We are always interested in fundraising ideas too, so you can contact us at badikosathi@yahoo.com. 

Founders: 

Archana Joshee is a an MBA student in University of Pennsylvania 's Wharton School of Business. Prior to Wharton, she was working as a manager in Ernst & Young's Quantitative Economics and Statistics Group in Washington D.C. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, Archana also has a Masters in Applied Statistics from George Washington University. Born and raised in Nepal, she is highly interested in the issues underlying social and educational development in Nepal . 

Jharana Joshee is a project manager at Verizon Business. She graduated with a degree in International Relations/Business from Randolph-Macon Woman's College and has since completed her Masters in Information Systems from George Washington University. Jharana has completed four marathons and has raised over $3,000 to assist the AIDS Marathon training program, which allows Whitman-Walker Clinic to provide advanced drug therapies and medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Raksha Pant is a senior research analyst with McKinsey & Company in the North America Life & Wealth/Retirement Practice in New York City. Born in Nepal and raised in Thailand and the Philippines, Raksha graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a major in Economics and a minor in Math. Raksha currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Help-Nepal Network, a global charity serving health and education-related needs, particularly of conflict-impacted adults and children in remote parts of Nepal . 

Mridula Shrestha is currently pursuing her J.D. at Stanford Law School in Stanford, CA. Mridula graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a major in Economics in 2002. Prior to law school, she was an associate at a boutique management consulting firm in Stamford , CT, and a consultant specializing in financial services at Ernst & Young LLP in Washington , D.C.

Interview by Neeraj Gorkhaly, V.E.N.T! Magazine.