From April 22 to 25, 2025, SALASAN Nepal, in collaboration with the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), successfully conducted a four-day Project Implementation Guideline Training in Kathmandu for the recipients of the Innovative Climate Initiative Fund (ICIF). The training brought together 50 Indigenous Women leaders and representatives from Bhumlu, Indrawati, Chaurideurali, and Balefi Rural Municipalities to build their capacity to implement and address climate related issues faced by the indigenous women and other community members in the CLAN project area of 4 Rural Municipalities. The Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal is designed to enhance the capacity of Indigenous Women’s groups by equipping them with essential knowledge and practical tools for effective project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting—ultimately empowering them to lead sustainable, community-driven climate and development initiatives.

Divided into two focused phases, the first two days covered the planning and execution of construction-based climate initiatives, while the latter two days centered on plantation-related projects. A key highlight of the training was the coming up with detailed work plans by all 25 climate groups demonstrating strong community ownership, inclusive planning, and a results-oriented approach. These presentations showcased their commitment to transparency, accountability, and local engagement in driving climate resilience. In addition to technical skills, the training also focused on building participants’ capacity in financial management. Participants learned practical approaches to managing project funds transparently and efficiently, including the importance of collecting at least three quotations before purchasing materials—ensuring fair pricing and accountability. They were also introduced to basic auditing practices, helping them understand how to maintain proper financial records, prepare documentation for audits, and uphold financial integrity throughout the project cycle. These skills are essential for fostering transparency and trust within their communities and with funding partners. By strengthening the leadership and technical skills of Indigenous women-led groups, the training has laid a strong foundation for impactful climate action at the grassroots level—led by the very communities most affected by climate change.

On 21 July 2026, SALASAN Nepal, in partnership with the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), organized an orientation on the revised climate change flipchart for Indigenous Women Climate Leaders from Bhumlu and Chaurideurali Rural Municipalities of Kavrepalchok District. The orientation was organized in Kathmandu

The flipchart was updated following recommendations from Indigenous Women Group (IWG) leaders to make the content more accessible, practical, and responsive to local realities. The revised version simplifies technical information through clear illustrations and easy-to-understand messages while incorporating new content on the gendered impacts of climate change, Indigenous knowledge systems, and locally relevant adaptation practices.

Although the orientation coincided with the peak plantation season, 16 of the 26 Indigenous Women Climate Leaders participated. To ensure continuity and expand local capacity, climate groups nominated replacement participants from their respective groups, resulting in 10 additional women leaders receiving training. This approach strengthened the pool of local women equipped to promote gender equality and climate change awareness within their communities.

The orientation was facilitated by Ms. Banu Shrestha, consultant, using a participatory learning approach that encouraged discussion, knowledge sharing, and practical reflection. Participants actively exchanged experiences, shared Indigenous knowledge and practices, and discussed locally led solutions to the climate challenges affecting their communities.

The revised flipchart serves as a practical resource covering climate change, its disproportionate impacts on Indigenous women, and adaptation measures for everyday use. It also includes dedicated sections on Indigenous culture, traditional knowledge and practices, and strategies to sustain community-led climate initiatives, strengthen climate groups, and continue the leadership of Indigenous Women Climate Leaders beyond the project period.

A key focus of the orientation was sustainability. Participants discussed ways to strengthen collaboration with local governments, advocate for the integration of climate actions into local development and planning processes, and prepare proposals to access ward-level budgets for community-led climate initiatives. These efforts are expected to enhance local ownership and ensure the long-term continuation of climate actions led by Indigenous women.

The orientation successfully enhanced participants' knowledge, facilitation skills, and confidence to conduct awareness sessions in their communities. By using the revised flipchart as an interactive learning tool, Indigenous Women Climate Leaders are now better prepared to reach more women and community members with practical information on climate change, gender equality, and locally driven adaptation solutions, contributing to more resilient and inclusive communities.

On 20 July 2026, for Indigenous women climate leaders (IWG ) from Balephi and Indrawati Rural Municipalities in Sindhupalchowk District. Facilitated by climate change consultant Ms. Banu Shrestha, the training brought together 24 representatives from 12 Indigenous women climate groups. The event enhanced participants' knowledge of climate change and strengthened their capacity to facilitate community awareness using the revised flipchart.

The revised flipchart is designed to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous Women's Group (IWG) leaders to effectively facilitate community learning and advocate for gender equality and climate resilience within their communities.

Orientation on the revised flipchart and the interactive sessions strengthened participants' knowledge of climate change, its impacts, and practical adaptation and mitigation measures. 

The revised flipchart covers gender equality and climate change, with a particular focus on Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, experiences, and vulnerabilities, as well as the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change. It serves as a practical resource to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous Women's Group (IWG) leaders to facilitate community awareness and advocate for gender-responsive climate action.

The orientation also examined the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Indigenous women, particularly women farmers, including increased workloads, mental health challenges, crop diseases that threaten livelihoods and food security, and the depletion of water sources, which compels women to travel longer distances to collect water. These discussions strengthened participants' understanding of gendered climate impacts and enhanced their capacity to advocate for gender-responsive climate adaptation and resilience within their communities.