Indigenous women of Nepal face multiple forms of discrimination. Indigenous women, being indigenous peoples, face racial, linguistic, religious, cultural, economic, political discrimination and exclusion. Also, indigenous women, being women, face gender discrimination. Thus, indigenous women are victimized by ideologies, policies and practices of Bahunbad (Brahmanism) and patriarchy.
Empowerment and strengthening of indigenous women is a must to end all forms of racial and gender discrimination, exploitation, suppression and oppression against indigenous women. Acceptance of multi-caste and ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural reality of Nepali society by the people’s movement of 1990 has indeed paved a way for non-governmental organizations to contribute for empowerment and strengthening of indigenous peoples, women and other excluded groups and communities. There was growing realization for a need of organized efforts by indigenous women to make development programs for women and indigenous peoples successful, to organize and empower indigenous women from local to national levels on common issues of women, and to work for equity and equality by having common objectives on women’s common issues. It was in this backdrop that the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was founded in 1998.
There are not only common problems and issues of indigenous women and other women and also of indigenous women and indigenous men but also distinct problems and issues that are unique to indigenous women. Therefore, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was established to support and raise awareness of indigenous women, to intensify advocacy for securing rights of indigenous women and indigenous children, and to run programs with focus on advocacy, training, discussion, interaction, study, and research as needed.
On December 19, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) participated in a landmark meeting held at Singha Durbar, hosted by the Committee on Women and Social Affairs. This high-level program was dedicated to discussing the implementation of CEDAW General Recommendation No. 39, which specifically addresses the rights, protection, and empowerment of Indigenous Women and Girls. The program began with a detailed presentation by Ms. Chanda Thapa Magar, who provided an in-depth explanation of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, its context, and its relevance to the lives of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. She emphasized the critical need for the recommendation to be integrated into national policies and programs to combat intersectional discrimination and systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous communities. Her presentation highlighted how the recommendation calls for the recognition of Indigenous Women and Girls as distinct groups requiring targeted measures to address their unique needs and challenges.
Following her presentation, an interactive discussion session took place, with active participation from members of Parliament, policymakers, and representatives of various ministries. Parliamentarians engaged in a thoughtful exchange of ideas, exploring the implications of General Recommendation 39 and debating actionable strategies to implement its provisions effectively. They discussed key areas such as access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection from violence, all within the broader framework of advancing gender equality and social inclusion. A notable highlight of the meeting was the commitment expressed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens. In a powerful statement, the Secretary reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its general recommendations, including Recommendation 39. This declaration signifies a positive and encouraging step forward in addressing the systemic barriers that Indigenous Women and Girls face in their daily lives. It also represents a vital acknowledgment of the government’s role in fostering inclusivity and equity for all marginalized groups.
By focusing on the practical application of international human rights standards, this event aimed to shape policies and strategies that ensure the empowerment, inclusion, and overall well-being of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. The meeting not only reinforced the significance of CEDAW General Recommendation 39 but also served as a testament to the growing recognition of the critical role Indigenous Women and Girls play in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. Through collaborative efforts and continued dialogue, the program set the stage for meaningful progress in addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalized Indigenous communities and advancing their rights and opportunities in Nepal.
On December 18, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) co-hosted a significant event to reflect on and share the key outcomes from the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 29). This gathering brought together a diverse range of participants, including Indigenous leaders, activists, representatives from civil society organizations, and youth advocates, all united in their commitment to advancing Indigenous perspectives on biodiversity and climate action. The program, chaired by NEFIN Chairperson Mr. Gelje Lama, opened with a warm welcome address from NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama. She highlighted the importance of such platforms for reflecting on global discussions and their implications for Indigenous communities in Nepal and beyond. The event was structured to ensure a dynamic exchange of experiences, with participants sharing their learnings from the global COP sessions and offering critical reflections on the state of Indigenous engagement in these high-level international negotiations.
Mr. Kamal Sampang and Mr. Tunga Bhadra Rai delivered detailed updates on the biodiversity and climate crisis discussions that took center stage at COP 16 and COP 29. Their presentations underscored the urgency of addressing the intertwined challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, particularly through the lens of Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices. They emphasized the need for increased recognition of Indigenous rights and contributions in the global frameworks designed to combat these crises. Representatives from several Indigenous organizations, including CIPRED, LAHURNIP, NIDWAN, and NIWF, shared their direct experiences from participating in COP 16 and COP 29. CIPRED and NIDWAN, represented by young Indigenous advocates, emphasized the critical importance of increasing youth participation from South Asia in these global forums. They shared inspiring stories of their involvement in negotiations and side events, advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous and youth voices in global policy-making processes. NIWF’s representatives reflected on their engagements at COP 29, highlighting the importance of weaving Indigenous women’s voices into discussions on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Mr. Diwas Rai and Mr. Buddha Gharti provided additional perspectives, enriching the dialogue with their personal experiences and observations from COP 29. Their inputs shed light on the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities to strengthen their advocacy and mobilize collective action in these global spaces.
The program also featured an informative session by Mr. Dev Kumar Sunuwar, who offered comprehensive insights into the UN Voluntary Fund. He detailed its purpose, application process, and how it has been instrumental in enabling Indigenous representatives to participate in global forums such as the COP sessions. His presentation encouraged more Indigenous leaders and organizations to utilize this resource to amplify their voices on the global stage. This collaborative event served as a vital platform for diverse stakeholders to exchange experiences, foster collective action, and strengthen collaboration on pressing biodiversity and climate change issues from an Indigenous perspective. By bringing together key voices and experiences, the program aimed to amplify Indigenous contributions to global environmental discussions and advocate for more inclusive approaches to tackling climate and biodiversity challenges. Moreover, the event underscored the need for continuous capacity-building, resource mobilization, and networking among Indigenous communities to ensure their meaningful participation in global forums. It also highlighted the role of Indigenous knowledge systems as vital tools for addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Through this reflection and sharing session, NIWF, NEFIN, and their partners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples while promoting sustainable and equitable solutions to global environmental challenges.
On December 15, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized an impactful program dedicated to discussing and promoting CEDAW General Recommendation 39 (GR 39). The event, held in , aimed to advance the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls and foster accountability for the implementation of GR 39 at both the national and local levels. This landmark event was facilitated by Ms. Man Maya Tamang, General Secretary of NIWF, whose expertise and commitment to Indigenous rights set the tone for the day’s discussions. The program was graced by the presence of Hon. Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, as the Chief Guest. Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairman of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, attended as the Special Guest, alongside other distinguished guests, including members of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, Mr. Diwas Rai, General Secretary of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Ms. Indira Shreesh, Chairperson of the Indigenous Woman Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), and other prominent experts on Indigenous issues. The collective presence of government officials, policymakers, and representatives from Indigenous organizations underscored the significance of the event.
The highlight of the program was an insightful and comprehensive presentation delivered by Ms. Rukmani Maharjan, Advisor to NIWF. Her presentation delved deeply into the significance of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, providing a thorough overview of its implications for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. Ms. Maharjan highlighted the critical role GR 39 plays in addressing systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities, such as discrimination, lack of access to resources, and exclusion from decision-making processes. She emphasized that GR 39 serves as a powerful tool for ensuring justice, equity, and inclusion for Indigenous Women in Nepal and around the world. Hon. Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, in his keynote address, applauded the progress Nepal has made over the years in advancing women’s rights. He emphasized the importance of recognizing these achievements while adopting a forward-looking approach to address persistent challenges. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international frameworks, including CEDAW, and pledged to work closely with organizations like NIWF to promote the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. His speech resonated with optimism and a call for collaboration among all stakeholders. Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairman of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, added his voice to the dialogue by emphasizing the importance of legislative and policy-level reforms to uphold the principles of GR 39. He called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that the rights enshrined in CEDAW are realized in practice, particularly for marginalized communities like Indigenous Women.
On 10th December 2024, in celebration of 76th International Human Rights Day, a vibrant rally was organized in Kathmandu, starting from Bhrikuti Mandap and ending at Shantivatika. The event brought together representatives from various organizations, uniting under the shared commitment to promote and protect human rights for all. Participants carried banners emphasizing the importance of equality, dignity, and justice. National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) proudly joined the rally, representing the voices of Indigenous Women and Girls. The rally served as a powerful platform for solidarity, raising awareness about the urgency to uphold human rights in every sphere of society, in line with this year’s theme, "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now."
Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF, delivered an inspiring speech on behalf of Indigenous organizations. Her words resonated deeply with the attendees, reinforcing the rally’s message of inclusivity and justice.
NIWF actively participated in the Human Rights Exhibition at the National Human Rights Commission's Harihar Bhawan premises. During the exhibition, NIWF presented various materials, shared information about its ongoing efforts in the field of human rights, and promoted products made by Indigenous Women groups trained through NIWF’s programs.
On December 9, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, organized a Digital Security Training Program aimed at protecting Indigenous Women’s rights in the digital space. This program was a vital response to the growing need for digital literacy and security among Indigenous Communities, especially as they face increased risks in an interconnected digital world. The training was specifically tailored to empower NIWF’s Board Members, General Members, and Staff, equipping them with the necessary tools to safeguard their digital presence and ensure the security of sensitive information related to their advocacy work.
The training was expertly facilitated by Dr. Rajiv Subba, cybersecurity expert who brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to the session. The program covered a wide array of critical topics, all of which were designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital threats and effective strategies to mitigate them. Participants learned about cybercrime, gaining insights into its various forms and the specific ways it affects marginalized communities, including Indigenous Women. Dr. Subba also introduced participants to phishing attempts and demonstrated how to recognize and avoid these deceptive tactics, which are often used by cybercriminals to extract sensitive personal or organizational information. In addition to phishing, the training focused on identifying spam emails—a prevalent form of digital threat that can compromise the security of devices and personal data. Participants were guided through practical examples to help them differentiate between legitimate and malicious communications. Another key component of the training was the secure use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Dr. Subba explained how VPNs can be effectively used to ensure safe internet access. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program incorporated hands-on activities and interactive sessions, allowing participants to put their new skills into practice. These exercises provided an opportunity to apply the lessons learned to real-world scenarios, ensuring that participants left the session equipped with actionable strategies to tackle digital threats effectively.
This initiative reflects NIWF’s commitment to strengthening Indigenous Women’s resilience in the face of evolving challenges while fostering a safe and inclusive digital environment for their advocacy and empowerment.
