Organizational and service support for boys' pathways out of commercial sexual exploitation in Nepal: Key learning for an under-recognized population

Boys are a group who experience commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) but are often less visible than girls with the same experience. There is limited evidence regarding the experiences of organizational support from the perspectives of boys with CSE experience. This study, conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, adopted a mixed-method approach, combining data from actor mapping, survey, and in-depth case studies. It explores (1) what services are available for boys with CSE experience; (2) how services help boys to exit the commercial sex sector; and (3) what the future service needs are for boys with CSE experience. In our sample, most of the boys who had been involved in the CSE industry as minors, identified themselves as sexual minorities. The findings suggest that despite the inadequacy of the services available for boys with CSE experience, around half of the boys who successfully exited the industry reported that support from non-governmental organization (NGOs) was crucial to their pathways out. The findings indicate the continuity of follow-up services is needed. This study underscores the importance of organizational and service support. It highlights ongoing needs regarding economic determinants. This study sheds light on future NGO service programme development and policy initiatives on protecting boys with CSE experience.