Kamaiya Pratha Unmualan Samaj (KAPUS)

Kamaiya and Kalmari are exploitative systems of bonded labour that were abolished in Nepal in 2000 and 2006. The system of bonded labour had allowed ruling elites to collect revenues from those who cultivated land, indebting the population for generations to landowners. This had serious repercussions for women and girls, subjected to violence, child-marriage, and exploitation.

Kamaiya Pratha Unmualan Samaj (KAPUS) was established in 1999 by a group of ex-Kamaiyas to fight against this unjust social system, empower former Kamaiyas, and enable them resources to improve their livelihoods opportunities and facilitate their economic independence. Members of the organization include 2,500 former Kamaiya and Kamalari. KAPUS seeks N-Peace’s support for a programme to empower and engage local community people (mostly women) in local peacebuilding initiatives through socio-cultural events and training. It also aims to support community people, especially youths, by providing alternatives to violence, and creating channels for them to be engaged in local community decision-making and development.  The initiative will be led by Ms Basanti Chaudhary, a former 2016 N-Peace Awardee, to help to build the capacity of women leaders and implement the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security through community orientation, information on dispute resolution and dance programmes to share cultural traditions and encourage tolerance. It will also introduce income generation options to local women, including communal seed production and distribution. KAPUS hopes to reach 200 women of the community.