This report includes participatory research findings  from the ground that will aid understanding about how  we can end the worst forms of child labour. The words  and phrases used by research participants have not  been changed; this ensures that we accurately reflect  the information and insights provided by participants. 

For example, where participants use a phrase such  as ‘engaging in sex work’, with reference to children,  consortium members might describe this as ‘sexual  exploitation’, but we have not changed this wording. 

CLARISSA consortium partners do not condone any of  the worst forms of child labour.

In Nepal, the term adult entertainment sector (AES) is  used to describe a diverse range of businesses that  include cabin/hostess restaurants, dance bars,  spa/massage parlours, and folk-dance bars (known  as dohoris). The term has been further expanded to  include establishments from the wider hospitality industry  (including the food and beverage sector) such as  khaja ghars, which are small-scale snack shops. 

Within some venues associated with the AES, the  commercial sale of sex and the sexual exploitation of  children is known to take place. However, our research  with business owners and child workers has helped  us appreciate the varied nature of the work that is  undertaken in venues associated with this sector. It is  important to note that not all establishments typically  associated with the AES are involved in the commercial  sale of sex, sexual activity, or the commercial sexual  exploitation of children (considered one of the worst forms  of child labour). 

While we understand that AES is not necessarily a  term used by business owners and child workers to  refer to the sector they work in, the term is widely used  by practitioners and researchers at the local level. In  practice, when referring to the children and young people  working in the AES, this research is referring to those  working in cabin/hostess restaurants, dance bars,  spa/massage parlours, dohoris and khaja ghars.