National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) held a round table discussion to address the pressing issue of Indigenous Migrant Women, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by Indigenous Returnee Migrant Women (IRMW)
2024-09-08
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On 8th September 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) held a round table discussion to address the pressing issue of Indigenous Migrant Women, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by Indigenous Returnee Migrant Women (IRMW). The event was part of NIWF’s ongoing efforts to advocate for more inclusive policies and practices that recognize the unique circumstances of Indigenous women. The discussion was facilitated by Ms. Sabnam Lama and included presentations and an open dialogue between experts and participants. Ms. Mala Rai presented the key findings of NIWF’s research on IRMW, a study that used Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR). This approach ensured that the research was rooted in the lived experiences and voices of the women themselves, making their stories central to understanding the complex challenges they face. FPAR emphasizes collaboration with participants and empowers marginalized communities to play an active role in shaping research outcomes, rather than being passive subjects. Through this methodology, Ms. Rai and her team were able to capture the depth of the struggles faced by IRMW upon their return to Nepal, including economic instability, social isolation, and a severe lack of reintegration support. 

In her presentation, Ms. Rai highlighted several critical issues. Many returnee women, after enduring harsh conditions abroad, find themselves excluded from economic opportunities due to stigma or limited skills transferability. Their reintegration into society is often met with social exclusion and judgment, exacerbated by cultural norms that do not acknowledge their experiences. The lack of robust reintegration programs leaves these women without essential support networks, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization.
Following Ms. Rai’s presentation, Ms. Uma Tamang presented the policy brief on Indigenous Migrant Women, identifying significant gaps in Nepal’s existing legal and policy frameworks. She emphasized that while general policies exist for migrant workers, they fail to take into account the specific challenges of Indigenous women, particularly in terms of reintegration and legal protections. Ms. Tamang called for tailored economic programs designed to leverage the skills these women acquire abroad, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods upon their return. Furthermore, she advocated for stronger legal protections against exploitation, both during the migration process and after their return, stressing the need for a gender-sensitive and Indigenous-inclusive approach.The session concluded with an open floor discussion, where participants, including activists, policymakers, and Indigenous women, provided feedback on the presentations. They shared experiences, discussed possible interventions, and offered recommendations. Many participants echoed the need for a more nuanced understanding of the intersectionality of gender, indigeneity, and migration in policy formulations. The discussion underscored the importance of developing comprehensive support systems for IRMW, such as mental health services, financial literacy training, and community-driven reintegration programs.