The report Evaluation of the South-eastern Nepal hotspot to reduce the prevalence of bonded labour presents the results of the evaluation conducted by the Institute of Development Studies in partnership with ActionAid Nepal on the Freedom Fund’s hotspot program in South-Eastern Nepal, aimed at reducing bonded labour, particularly the Harawa-Charawa system. The evaluation utilised qualitative methods, including 55 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and a review of program documents. The research also incorporated participatory statistics and life stories to assess the program’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
Findings indicate that community-based groups have been effective in providing essential services like educational support and access to credit, which are crucial for addressing the root causes of bonded labour. The main challenges are a high turnover among NGO partners and persistent caste and gender discrimination. Key recommendations are enhancing access to fair credit options, improving vocational training programs, and advocating for clearer identification criteria for Harawa-Charawa communities. The report emphasises the need for strategic advocacy rooted in local realities to ensure that interventions align with community needs and contribute to sustainable change.
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