On August 13th, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) convened its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to advocating for the rights, of Indigenous Women and Girls across the nation. This event, held with much anticipation and participation from board members and general members, was a testament to NIWF’s growing influence and its pivotal role in addressing issues critical to Indigenous Communities. The AGM was chaired by Ms. Suni Lama, the Chairperson of NIWF, whose leadership has been instrumental in steering the organization through various challenges and achievements. In her opening remarks, Ms. Lama emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and continued advocacy in the face of the ongoing struggles that Indigenous Women face, particularly in the realms of social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. She also highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the systemic barriers that hinder the progress of Indigenous Communities.

Following the Chairperson's address, Ms. Man Maya Tamang, the General Secretary of NIWF, presented the Annual Progress Report for the fiscal year 2080-81. In her detailed presentation, Ms. Tamang highlighted the key achievements of the organization over the past year, which included successful advocacy campaigns, capacity-building programs, and partnerships that have significantly enhanced the visibility and impact of Indigenous Women in various sectors. She also acknowledged the challenges that NIWF faced, such as limited resources and the need for greater community engagement, but emphasized that these obstacles only strengthened the organization’s resolve to continue its mission. Ms. Tamang provided specific examples of NIWF's initiatives, including the implementation of grassroots projects aimed at empowering Indigenous Women through education, economic opportunities. She also noted the organization’s role in influencing policy at both local and national levels, particularly in areas related to Indigenous rights, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. The report underscored NIWF's commitment to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous Women are heard and respected in all spheres of society.

Following the presentation of the Annual Progress Report, Ms. Sushila Maya Gole, the Treasurer of NIWF, took the stage to deliver the Annual Financial Report. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s financial health, including a breakdown of expenditures, funding sources, and financial management strategies that have been employed to ensure the sustainability of NIWF’s operations. Ms. Gole highlighted the importance of financial transparency and accountability, noting that the careful management of resources has enabled the organization to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Ms. Gole detailed the various funding streams that NIWF has secured over the past year, including grants from international donors, contributions from members, and revenue from fundraising activities. She also discussed the organization’s expenditures, which were primarily directed toward program implementation, capacity-building initiatives, and community outreach efforts. Additionally, she outlined the financial strategies that NIWF plans to adopt in the coming year, with a focus on diversifying funding sources and enhancing financial management practices to support the organization’s growth.

The AGM also addressed several important administrative matters, including the appointment of a new auditor to oversee the financial activities of the organization in the upcoming fiscal year. This decision was made to ensure that NIWF continues to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in its financial reporting. The appointment of the new auditor was unanimously approved by the members, reflecting the organization’s commitment to maintaining the trust of its stakeholders. In addition to financial and administrative discussions, the meeting also provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the strategic goals and programmatic priorities for the next fiscal year. The discussion centered on the need to strengthen advocacy efforts for Indigenous rights, particularly in the areas of land rights, cultural preservation, and access to education and healthcare. Members also emphasized the importance of expanding NIWF’s partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify the impact of its work.