13th July, unveiled a cornucopia of activities that captivated our hearts and minds. From the exploration of the Position Paper to thought-provoking discussions on consequential subjects, and culminating with the unveiling of our book by the esteemed Vice-President, our plates were brimming with intellectual nourishment.
With the aroma of a delightful morning meal still lingering, we eagerly gathered at the conference venue, where our revered resource persons eagerly awaited the arrival of our honorable guests. The richness of our Mother Tongue, the significance of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), the invaluable role of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Indigenous Women in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the transformative Paris Agreement of 2016 were just a few among the many captivating topics that ignited passionate discussions. In these exchanges, knowledge flourished, and profound understanding bloomed.
However, the crescendo of the day, the apex of our collective journey, arrived with the soft launch of a precious tome entitled “Elected Women Representatives of Federal, Provincial, and Local Level 2029.” This remarkable moment unfolded beneath the watchful gaze of the Vice-President, Ram Sahaya Yadav, whose presence bestowed a halo of distinction upon the occasion.
As the pages of the book unfurled, it became a tangible embodiment of honor, paying homage to the tireless dedication and extraordinary achievements of the elected women representatives. It left us enriched, both in knowledge and in spirit. With profound insights etched into our consciousness and a deep sense of unity forged through shared conversations, the National Conference on Indigenous Women’s Rights and Leadership at the Policy Level continued to sow the seeds of empowerment and change.
Vice-Chairperson to NIWF Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, is currently attending the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Twenty-second Session: 17-28 April 2023. Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD).
April 16, 2023, the opening prayers were performed by the NIWF Vice-Chairperson at the Rosa Luxembourg office in the traditional Thakali direction with the delegates from Sudan, Panama, Philippines, USA,MADRE, and the RLS team.
With S. James Anaya, an internationally recognized scholar, and author in the areas of international human rights and issues concerning indigenous peoples.
With Former Chair of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Glaydias Acosta.
With the invaluable support of the Mama Cash Fund, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch (Dang) joined forces for a crucial Assessment of Nepal’s Implementation of the 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations. The assessment delved into critical issues encompassing climate change and gender equality, trafficking, bonded labor, women’s inclusion and participation, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
The Mid-Term Assessment for the UPR was presented by Professor Hom Prasad Yamphu Rai, a respected lecturer in Anthropology at Tribhuvan University. NIWF’s Vice Chairperson, Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, skillfully moderated the Open Floor Discussion during the assessment.
The collaboration between NIWF and Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch, with the support of Mama Cash, underscores the importance of collective efforts in promoting human rights and addressing pressing social challenges. The valuable insights and contributions of all the representatives involved have enriched the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations.
NIWF extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mama Cash for their support, Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch for their valuable partnership, and all the representatives for their unwavering commitment to advancing human rights in Nepal. The collaborative endeavor demonstrates the power of partnerships and collective action in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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.
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) launched the Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF) in 2023 to champion equal access to education for Indigenous Girls. Dedicated to supporting these young learners, IGOF offers educational assistance to selected candidates from Marginalized and endangered Communities, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Emphasizing empowerment through education, IGOF aims to uplift and transform lives by providing essential educational support to those who need it most.
On April 23, 2024, NIWF’s team made a meaningful trip to Sankharapur as part of their ongoing commitment to the Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF) initiative launched in 2023. NIWF distributed essential stationery items and school uniforms to the two selected candidates who had received scholarships through IGOF. NIWF team held a brief yet significant meeting with the Vice-Principal of the school. This meeting served as an opportunity to engage with the school administration and gain valuable insights into the academic journey and progress of the two scholarship recipients. The Vice-Principal shared updates on the students' studies, highlighting not only the challenges they faced but also the achievements after the scholarship. This interaction not only reinforced NIWF's commitment to supporting these young learners but also allowed us to better understand the impact of their educational assistance.
Through the IGOF initiative, NIWF aims to empower Indigenous Girls by providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed academically and build a brighter future for themselves and their Communities. In addition to distributing stationery items and school uniforms to the scholarship recipients, NIWF also provided ration supplies to support the families of the two candidates during their visit to Sankharapur on April 23, 2024.
On April 26, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum-NIWF, in collaboration with UNDP, hosted a gathering to share two reports:A Report on the Situation of Gender-based Violence against the Chepang Women of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality in Chitwan, and another "A Policy Review of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality’s Policies and Programmes for FY 2023/2024 (2079/2080 BS) from Gender Equality and Social Inclusion and Indigenous Perspectives". Hon. Kiran Kumar Sah, Chair of the Women and Social Affairs Committee of Nepal's House of Representatives, graced the event, which was chaired by Ms. Suni Lama, NIWF's chairperson, alongside Mr. Indra B. Poudel, secretary of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, and Mr. Divas Rai, General Secretary of NEFIN, as special guests.
This gathering served as a platform not only to unveil the final findings and recommendations encapsulated within the reports but also to foster an environment conducive to the exchange of insightful suggestions and perspectives from the diverse array of participants. Representatives from various organizations, including NIWF-Federation, INOWLAG, experts, Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA), and the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), contributed to the enriching discourse.
Through this collaborative effort, the event aimed not only to shed light on the pressing issues faced by Indigenous Women but also to catalyze actionable steps toward fostering greater gender equality, social inclusion, and Indigenous empowerment within the fabric of local policies and programs.