Many former Kamlaris (indentured girl labourers) are involved in various professions and businesses following their liberation.

In western Nepal, most of the former Kamlaris are working in health institutions, hotels and shops. 

Some are running their own businesses.

Twenty-two-year-old Shova Chaudhary of Rajapur-4, Bardiya, is a lab assistant at a polyclinic in Katarniya. She received lab assistant training in Chitwan after she was liberated, and used the knowledge to turn her life around.  

Her job pays her a monthly salary of Rs 7,000 while the company also offers her food and accommodation.

She has come a long way from the time when she used to work as a domestic help that paid her nothing.  

Like Shova, 23-year-old Sangita Chaudhary of Bardagoriya1, Kailali, has also grown up to become an independent woman after she was freed from the veritable shackles of slavery.

Today, she is an auxiliary nursing midwife (ANM), who is diligent in her work, and a plus two student. 

Shova completed an 18-month ANM course from the Chitwan Medical College that kick-started her career in the health sector.     

Krishni Tharu, another former Kamlari, is running an eatery in Barbardiya-10, Bardiya, where 51 freed indentured labourers like her are involved in various business activities.

The Kamlari system was abolished by the government on June 27, 2013. A total of 9,475 girls and young women have been released from indentured servitude from different parts of western Nepal, including Dang, Banke, Bardiya and Kanchanpur 

districts.

 According to Phakla Tharu, who is involved with an INGO that works with former Kamlari, more than 5,000 former Kamlaris are going to schools and colleges today, while around 1,500 are involved in various professions.