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 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.
On November 15, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a side event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Titled "Resilience at Risk: Impact of Loss and Damage from Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples," the event brought together policymakers, experts, and Indigenous representatives to deliberate on the urgent climate challenges facing Indigenous communities. The session featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Ms. Barsa Lekhi of UNESCO and chaired by NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, who emphasized the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in global climate dialogues. Hon. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forest and Environment along with Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary also participated in the side event.
The esteemed panelists included Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division, Government of Nepal; Dr. Sher Muhammad of ICIMOD; Mr. Mingma Chiri Sherpa, Chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; and Mr. Binod Parajuli of the Climate Risk and Resilience Lab. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the discussion, which centered on the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and the pressing need for collective action to address these challenges. The discussion underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between national and international agencies to prioritize Indigenous-led climate adaptation. Panelists agreed on the necessity of building resilient frameworks that address challenges from local to global levels, ensuring that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of climate action. The dialogue also spotlighted the invaluable contributions of Indigenous knowledge and practices in enhancing climate resilience, offering lessons for broader global strategies.
The session concluded with a set of actionable recommendations, including the promotion of inclusive policy-making, enhanced investment in risk reduction and adaptation measures, and greater recognition of Indigenous rights in climate governance. Participants left with a renewed commitment to work together to mitigate climate risks, safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, and empower Indigenous communities as key agents of change in the fight against climate change. This side event not only amplified the voices of Indigenous peoples but also reaffirmed their critical role in shaping a sustainable and equitable climate future.
On 29 November 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized a half-day sharing program to disseminate and discuss the outcomes of the recent Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP16 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP29. The event highlighted the implications of these landmark conferences for Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth, and Girls in Nepal. It was facilitated by NIWF's Executive Director, Ms. Dwarika Thebe, who opened the program by underlining the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into global and national environmental policies and commitments.
The program brought together an esteemed panel of experts, practitioners, and government representatives. Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai, Technical Representative for Indigenous Peoples at the Nepal Indigenous Forum for Biodiversity, provided a detailed reflection on COP16, focusing on the progress made in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to biodiversity conservation. Similarly, Mr. Tunga Badra Rai, Climate Change Expert and Executive Director of NEFIN, shared insights from COP29, highlighting the conference's focus on global climate financing, adaptation, and mitigation. However, he expressed concerns that the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples—such as their disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts and their role as stewards of vital ecosystems—were insufficiently addressed in the final agreements.
On November 30th and December 1st, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF), hosted a significant two-day program in Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali district. The program, titled “The Role of Local Government in the Upliftment of Freed Kamlaris and Indigenous Women and Youth,” sought to bring together stakeholders to discuss pathways to empowerment, policy implementation, and sustainable development for these marginalized groups.
The event was graced by Janaki Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Lalmati Kathariya, who served as the chief guest. Ward No. 3 Chairperson Suresh Chaudhary joined as the special guest, alongside representatives from various organizations. A notable aspect of the program was the active participation of freed Kamlaris, whose firsthand experiences and insights enriched the discussions. Their presence highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by freed Kamlaris and Indigenous women and youth. A central feature of the program was an informative presentation by Mr. Hom Yamphu. His session focused on the existing policies and regulations that impact freed Kamlaris, shedding light on their rights, entitlements, and the gaps in policy implementation. The presentation laid the foundation for an engaging discussion session, where participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and proposed actionable solutions to address the systemic challenges faced by freed Kamlaris.
The program concluded with the presentation of a memorandum to Vice-Chairperson Lalmati Kathariya. The memorandum captured the demands and pressing concerns of freed Kamlaris, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced support and interventions from local governments. Issues such as access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and social reintegration were highlighted as critical areas requiring immediate attention. This two-day initiative underscored the collective commitment of all stakeholders to foster meaningful change. By providing a platform for dialogue, the program not only amplified the voices of freed Kamlaris but also reaffirmed the role of local governments in promoting equity, empowerment, and sustainable development for marginalized communities. The discussions and outcomes of the event serve as a stepping stone toward ensuring that the rights and aspirations of freed Kamlaris and Indigenous women and youth are fully realized.
On 2nd December 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) in collaboration with the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF) submitted the Memorandum to Hon. Bir Bahadur Thapa Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. The Memorandum outlines the demands and pressing issues faced by freed Kamlaris.