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.
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, organized an Advanced Climate Smart Farming and Management Training for Thami Women in Kalinchowk Rural Municipality 9, Sundrawati, located in the Dolakha district. The program was facilitated by NIWF team and Goma Thami, president of the Thami Women Farmers Group. Shanti Khadka served as the resource person for the training.
The primary objective of this initiative was to empower 25 Indigenous Women from the Thami Community to actively participate in collective climate justice efforts and to enhance their economic empowerment through the commercial production of vegetables.
Indigenous Women are on the frontlines of climate change's impact on agriculture. Empowering Indigenous Women with knowledge and skills in climate-smart farming is crucial for enhancing their resilience to climate change, improving their livelihoods, and ensuring food security for their Communities. It enables them to adapt to changing environmental conditions, protect and sustainably manage natural resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, economic empowerment through climate-smart farming can lead to increased decision-making power, improved social status, and greater participation in community and policy-making processes, ultimately contributing to gender equality and social justice.
The agricultural strategy aims to fulfil the demand for vegetables, fruits, and crops by emphasizing the importance of local (Raithane) advanced and hybrid seeds. In alignment with the long-term agricultural development plan, the goal is to achieve economic prosperity by providing farmers with information on advanced seeds, climate-friendly farming practices, modern technological products, pest management, plant growth and development, and weed control.
National Indigenous Women Forum(NIWF), with the support of WFA, convened a discussion program with the members of the Women and Social Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives in the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu Nepal on the CEDAW General Recommendation-39.
The event was facilitated by Mr. Indra Bahadur Poudel, secretary of Women and Social Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives where as Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan Vice-Chairperson of NIWF-Forum presentated a paper on CEDAW GR-39.The focus of the discussion was on CEDAW General Recommendation No. 39, which addresses the rights and issues about Indigenous Women and Girls. NIWF's Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama also spoke on the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples. She underscored the significance of CEDAW General Recommendation No. 39 in addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. By raising awareness of these issues and advocating for their rights within the framework of international human rights standards, NIWF is playing a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and social justice for Indigenous Communities in Nepal.
The World Social Forum (WSF) is a testament for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and grassroots movements worldwide that "Another World is Possible". Since its inception in Brazil in 2001, WSF has served as a counterpoint to the narratives of globalization promoted by events like the World Economic Forum in Davos. It has quickly become a space where diverse voices converge to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice.
Moreover, the panel highlighted the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women in accessing resources and asserting their rights. These challenges underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders. By fostering stronger partnerships, we can work towards achieving ecological justice and ensuring equitable outcomes in natural resource management.
The event at WSF was more than just a panel discussion; it was a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and advocating for meaningful change. It emphasized the need for solidarity and mutual respect in addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, cultural preservation, and social justice.
As we reflect on the discussions and insights shared at the World Social Forum, let us commit ourselves to supporting Indigenous communities in their quest for justice and sustainability. By standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, we can build a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations.
In a dedicated effort to support Indigenous Returnee Migrant Women (IRMW), the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) participated in the APWLD Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) initiative. As part of this project, NIWF’s Young Researcher Sabnam Lama and Field Coordinator Sanila Lama traveled to Chautara Ward no. 5, Sindhupalchowk, to conduct a transformative Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and establish an organized group of IRMW in the area.
The FGD served as a platform for the IRMW and local coordinators to engage in meaningful discussions, aiming to address critical issues faced by women reintegrating into society after foreign employment. The training focused on the 9 Principles of FPAR, ensuring that the research process is participatory, inclusive, and driven by the needs and aspirations of the IRMW community.
Moreover, the participants were educated on the principles of Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), confidentiality, and voluntary participation, emphasizing the importance of ethical research practices and protecting the rights and privacy of individuals.
A significant aspect of the training was equipping the IRMW with documentation skills through photos and videos. Participants learned various techniques, such as capturing portraits, landscapes, medium shots, close-up shots, long-shot, and landscape videos. This newfound ability to document their experiences and perspectives empowers the IRMW to share their stories and advocate for their needs effectively.
The FGD was conducted in two groups, each facilitated by Young Researcher Sabnam Lama and Local Coordinator Supriya Shrestha. Topics explored included the challenges and opportunities of reintegrating into society after foreign employment, the role of local government in supporting IRMW and generating safer guidelines for Potential Migrant Women.
At the conclusion of the training, an IRMW group was formally established, named “Chautara Laganshil Adiwasi Mahila Samuha,” under the facilitation of Local Coordinator Supriya Shrestha. This group holds the promise of becoming a powerful collective voice for IRMW in the region, advocating for their rights, well-being, and meaningful inclusion in society.
NIWF’s commitment to the APWLD Feminist Participatory Action Research initiative exemplifies its dedication to empowering Indigenous women and supporting their journeys as returnee migrant workers. Through research, documentation, and community engagement, NIWF aims to foster positive change and create an environment where the voices and experiences of IRMW are heard, valued, and acted upon.