Nepali Circus Girls

Thousands of Nepali girls between 8 and 15 are unintentionally sold into slavery by their parents each year, tempted by Indian Circus representatives who make false promises. The girls and their parents are rarely paid after the initial "salary," are kept under strict supervision and are frequently abused and used for prostitution in the questionable circuses that travel swiftly among rural Indian towns. The girls then suffer greater shame if and when they return to Nepal. They no longer fit into their rural agricultural communities and are considered "ruined" women because of their travel and profession.