Assessing the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Kathmandu Valley's Entertainment Sector

Aim: This study aimed to understand the driving factors that lead to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), the conditions they face in their workplaces, and their compulsions to work in entertainment sector of Kathmandu Valley.  Methods: A mixed method of quantitative survey design (N=78 girls) supported by qualitative techniques was applied. A survey included 87 CSEC girls and conducted two focus group discussions. The quantitative and quantitative data were cleaned, analyzed, and presented.  Results: The study outcome has revealed that economic factors, lack of education, and inadequate skills were factors for leaving their place of birth to associate with CSEC. Lack of awareness, financial hardships, and uneducated parents living in remote locations of Nepal were other factors making them prone to work as CSEC. Inadequate access to the resources to address the unmet financial and family needs remained other factors pushing the children into CSEC. The physical, psychological, and emotional impact of their association with CSEC is significantly prevalent without having proper redress mechanisms and structures to address the root causes. The safety mechanisms, protection measures, and prevention actions at the source are additional remedies to be in place.  Conclusions: Over 90% of the CSEC (N= 78) girls wished for rehabilitation with adequate support for vocational training, livelihood, and education facilities in place. Study findings strongly recommend immediate actions to address these unmet needs.