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 26th January 2025, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support of FIMI, organized a sharing and consultation program to review the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021–2050 from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women. The program aimed to assess the extent to which Indigenous voices have been included in Nepal’s long-term climate adaptation strategies and to gather insights for strengthening Indigenous participation in national climate policies. The event was chaired by Ms. Suni Lama, NIWF’s Chairperson, who welcomed the participants and highlighted NIWF’s continued engagement in international advocacy while emphasizing the need for concrete actions at the national level. She stressed the importance of ensuring that policies like the NAP reflect the realities and rights of Indigenous Peoples. Introducing the two key presenters, Mr. Kamal Sampang and Mr. Hom Yamphu, she acknowledged their contributions to NIWF’s advocacy for Indigenous rights. The session was moderated by Mr. Kamal Sampang, ensuring an interactive and engaging discussion.
Mr. Hom Yamphu’s presentation focused on the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders in climate adaptation processes, rather than portraying them as passive victims. He highlighted that while the NAP acknowledges Indigenous communities, it lacks mechanisms for their meaningful participation in decision-making. He also emphasized the value of Indigenous knowledge systems in climate adaptation, advocating for their integration into national policies. His presentation underscored the need for a rights-based approach where Indigenous communities are active partners in shaping climate resilience strategies.
Mr. Kamal Sampang’s presentation addressed the importance of culturally appropriate infrastructure development within the NAP framework. He pointed out that large-scale development projects often lead to land dispossession, displacement, and the loss of sacred sites, disrupting Indigenous ways of life. He also stressed the need for increased awareness about the NAP and biodiversity conservation among Indigenous communities, policymakers, and stakeholders. Additionally, he called for stronger efforts to bridge the gap between policy commitments and actual implementation, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are not just beneficiaries but key decision-makers in climate adaptation efforts.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an interactive discussion, sharing valuable insights and recommendations. Key suggestions included the development of clear frameworks for Indigenous participation in NAP implementation. The feedback and recommendations gathered during the consultation will be compiled into a review document by NIWF. This document will be submitted to the Ministry of Forests and Environment, advocating for the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women in Nepal’s climate adaptation policies. By facilitating this consultation, NIWF continues to strengthen Indigenous voices in national climate discussions, ensuring that their perspectives, rights, and knowledge systems are respected and integrated into Nepal’s adaptation strategies.

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, has been conducting a transformative 20-week training program on climate adaptation agricultural systems for the women farmers of Bhalukharka. The initiative, which concluded its third session in Bhalukharka, Ward No. 11, Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, is a key effort to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change while empowering local women farmers to take the lead in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This comprehensive training program engages 22 women farmers, organized into four groups from across the Bhalukharka area. Running from 28th December 2024 to 10th May 2025, the training is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the confidence to implement innovative, climate-resilient farming techniques. It also emphasizes strengthening community ties, fostering a safe environment for learning and collaboration, and enhancing the region's overall social and agricultural systems.
The program focuses on bridging the gap between traditional agricultural practices and modern, sustainable farming solutions that are tailored to the challenges of climate change. Participants are introduced to a variety of techniques, including organic farming, water-efficient irrigation systems, integrated pest management, soil health improvement, and crop diversification. These practices aim to mitigate the adverse effects of erratic weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity that increasingly impact farming communities in the region. This 20-week training program stands as a testament to NIWF’s commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous women to lead and thrive. Through such initiatives, NIWF continues to contribute to building resilient, self-sustaining communities that can adapt to climate challenges while safeguarding their cultural and environmental heritage.





On December 27, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized the NBSAP Revision - Nepal Introductory Sharing Event at Indreni Suites Hotel, Kathmandu. This crucial gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, Thematic experts of the NBSAP Technical Committee, Policymakers, and Stakeholders to discuss integrating Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge into Nepal's biodiversity conservation strategies. The event featured key presentations from notable speakers, including Indigenous Biodiversity expert, Kamal Sampang Rai, who emphasized the importance of Indigenous Knowledge asytem and practices in conservation efforts.
Dr. KC Poudel, Biodiversity expert and team lead of NBSAP Technical Committee provided updates on NBSAP progress and the integration of Global Biodiversity Framework targets. Ek Raj Sigdel from WWF discussed Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), Similarly, Bibek Sharma from UNDP GEF Small Grants highlighted the importance of documenting best customary practices.
Discussions featured active participation of WWF, IUCN, UNDP, and various Indigenous Peoples' organizations such as YFIN, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Kirat Mahasangh, INOWLAG, CIPRED, NIDA, Sunuwar Samaj. The dialogue focused on critical issues, including land rights, human-wildlife conflicts, and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. Participants emphasized the importance of obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for conservation projects and advocated for the meaningful inclusion of Intersections of Indigenous People, in decision-making processes. GESI Expert Sunaina Sharma and Climate Change Expert Ripu Kunwar from the NBSAP Technical Committee shared their insights and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing intersectionality in these challenges. Rajendra Dhungana, Focal point of CBD from the Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Forests and Environment, shared insightful remarks on the government's priorities for biodiversity conservation and their plan of calling a IPLCs committee under the secretariat. The closing remarks, delivered by the Chair of NIWF and the Indigenous Peoples' representative to the NBSAP Steering Committee, Suni Lama, concluded the event with a key suggestion to the NBSAP technical committee, to ensure the provisions relevant to the connection of Indigenous Women’s rights and contribution in biodiversity preservation ensured by CEDAW General Recommendation 39 is not overlooked and to prioritize meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous Women’s throughout the process.
This dialogue marks a significant step towards ensuring that Nepal's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework while honoring Indigenous knowledge and rights.

On December 21, 2024, the National Indigenous Women’s Forum (NIWF) with the support from MADRE conducted a relief distribution program to support families severely affected by floods and landslides in Temal Rural Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk District. The program, led by NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, Treasurer Ms. Sushila Gole and Field Coordinator Ms. Sanila Lama, provided corrugated sheets to 15 households in Pokhari Narayansthan, Ward No. 5, and Maure, Ward No. 4. This initiative aimed to aid the rehabilitation of vulnerable families who suffered significant losses due to the recent natural disaster.
The distribution was part of NIWF’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous and Marginalized Communities in times of crisis. The devastating floods and landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall in September, caused widespread destruction across Nepal, leading to the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods. In Temal Rural Municipality, where many Indigenous families reside, the impact was particularly severe, with homes destroyed and essential resources lost. Recognizing the urgent need for rehabilitation support, NIWF prioritized providing corrugated sheets, a vital resource for rebuilding damaged homes and shelters. These materials will help the affected families restore basic living conditions and protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. The distribution process was carried out with sensitivity and ensured that the most vulnerable households, including those led by women, elderly members, or individuals with disabilities, were prioritized.
The relief distribution in Temal Rural Municipality is part of NIWF’s broader strategy to respond to disasters and advocate for sustainable recovery efforts. By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience, NIWF aims to empower communities to recover from disasters and rebuild stronger. This initiative reflects NIWF’s unwavering commitment to supporting Indigenous families, especially during times of adversity.