US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer, on Saturday visited Pourakhi, a NGO working for female migrant workers.

On her rare visit to Nepal, Verveer talked with two Kuwait returnees, Manisha and Manju, to know the plights of female migrant workers. Member of various NGOs briefed her about the hazards found in this sector.

The two workers, trafficked to Kuwait, were not just deprived of salary but were severly tortured by their employers.

According to them, they were not given food and barred from talking with co-workers and going outside. Manisha left for Kuwait via India, while Manju boarded a flight from the TIA. Both the girls said they were lured with a promise of handsome pay.

On the occasion, Manju Gurung, founder of Pourakhi, apprised Verveer about efforts made by her organisation to redress woes of female migrant workers. On the occasion, the US ambassador-at-large said the meeting was insightful in knowing the real woes of female migrant workers. She also expressed commitment to raise their voices.

Published on: 8 January 2012 | The Kathmandu Post