Behind bright lights, entertainment workers face exploitation and insecurity

Kathmandu, Apr. 14: Workers in Nepal’s entertainment sector face hidden struggles behind the glamour of the industry. Many, like Binita Khadka, report inappropriate behaviour from some customers, unpaid salary and absence of formal employment contracts. 

Without legal protection, speaking up risks losing their jobs. Thus, many workers in the entertainment sector remain silent despite facing unsafe conditions and a high risk of exploitation. Lok Dohori singer Saraswati Bishwakarma reports instances of unpaid labour within the sector. 

According to Biswas Nepal, about 800,000 people are employed in this sector across the nation, many without job security. Fear of unemployment prevents workers from speaking out, leaving them vulnerable despite their contribution to the national economy. 

Tara Bhandari, President of Biswas Nepal, highlighted that a significant number of these workers are concentrated in urban centres such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

“Our organisation has been advocating for the professional security of women in this sector since 2005. Many workers face delayed or unpaid wages. If they speak up, they risk losing their jobs and without contracts, they lack evidence to seek justice,” she said.  

Behind the bright lights lies a harsh reality.  Binita Khadka, originally from Gorkha, has spent years navigating this unsafe environment.  Having worked in Lok Dohori venues for four years and changed multiple workplaces, she shared that while some employers are supportive, inappropriate behaviour from customers remains common.

"Some customers ask us to sit, eat and talk with them and even try to touch us. We understand their intentions, so we try to ignore such behaviour during work,” she said. “However, we rarely report such behaviour to employers or the police.” 

Chandrika Tamang, a hotel waiter, described a workplace culture marked by pressure and fear, where employees are often required to bring in customers. Failure to do so often results in anger and humiliation from employers that amounts to workplace violence. 

Although businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bars, Lok Dohari venues and clubs contribute significantly to the economy, many workers remain informally employed without contracts. In many cases, workers are drawn into these jobs through brokers who offer financial incentives, often without disclosing the risks involved.

According to the Nepal Police, a total of 21,667 complaints of violence against women were registered during the fiscal year 2025/26. Among the various forms of violence reported, domestic violence accounted for the highest number of cases, with 17,482 complaints. However, despite the large number of complaints, only 14 cases were formally registered for legal action, highlighting significant gaps in access to justice. 

The violence against women is increasing day by day. The reports of Nepal Police show it. A total of 10,111 complaints of violence against women were registered during the fiscal year 2081/82. Domestic violence also accounted for the highest number of cases, with 7,906 complaints. 

Kamala Kumari Parajuli, Chairperson of the National Women Commission (NWC), stated that it is necessary to build a society free from all forms of violence to ensure that women can live freely without fear of physical or mental torture. She noted that women often face insecurity even within their own homes, as reflected in the consistently rising number of domestic violence complaints.

She stressed that incidents of violence must be reported to the appropriate authorities.  “Survivors often endure physical and psychological harm in silence. In many cases, such incidents remain unknown until they are reported,” she said. 

Data from the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police show a total of 2,103 cases of various forms of violence were recorded in July/August 2025. The number stood at 1,419 in August/September, 1,212 in September/October, 1,259 in October/November, 1,384 in November/December and 1,426 in December/January. 

A total of 1,639 cases were recorded in July/August, followed by 1,082 in August/September, 943 in September/October, 990 in October/November, 1,082 in November/December and 1,105 in December/January, according to the Nepal Police report. 

However, the actual number of incidents may be significantly higher as many victims do not report such cases, said Parajuli, Chairperson of the NWC. 

“Insecurity, financial constraints, lack of confidence in receiving justice and social pressures often force victims to remain silent and refrain from filing complaints,” said Parajuli.

Experts and advocates stress that underreporting remains a major barrier to effective prevention and justice. Survivors often face stigma, fear of retaliation, economic dependence and limited awareness of reporting mechanisms, discouraging them from coming forward. 

Women’s rights activist and Executive Director of the Alliance against Trafficking in Women and Children in Nepal (AATWIN), Benu Maya Gurung, said that reporting violence is crucial for protecting survivors, preventing further abuse. 

Gurung said, “Accurate and unified data on violence shows the seriousness of the issue and helps in the formulation of policies and laws. However, except for the Nepal Police, there is no integrated data system among the three levels of government. The government should develop mechanisms that make it easier for victims to report violence.” 

She emphasised that reporting violence helps victims receive support, ensures justice and contributes to a safe society. 

She further stressed the need for expanded awareness campaigns, stronger legal mechanisms, improved three-tier government coordination and better support services across the country.