NIWF conducted program on CEDAW GR 39
2024-12-15
Events
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On December 15, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized an impactful program dedicated to discussing and promoting CEDAW General Recommendation 39 (GR 39). The event, held in , aimed to advance the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls and foster accountability for the implementation of GR 39 at both the national and local levels. This landmark event was facilitated by Ms. Man Maya Tamang, General Secretary of NIWF, whose expertise and commitment to Indigenous rights set the tone for the day’s discussions. The program was graced by the presence of Hon. Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, as the Chief Guest. Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairman of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, attended as the Special Guest, alongside other distinguished guests, including members of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, Mr. Diwas Rai, General Secretary of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Ms. Indira Shreesh, Chairperson of the Indigenous Woman Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), and other prominent experts on Indigenous issues. The collective presence of government officials, policymakers, and representatives from Indigenous organizations underscored the significance of the event.

The highlight of the program was an insightful and comprehensive presentation delivered by Ms. Rukmani Maharjan, Advisor to NIWF. Her presentation delved deeply into the significance of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, providing a thorough overview of its implications for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. Ms. Maharjan highlighted the critical role GR 39 plays in addressing systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities, such as discrimination, lack of access to resources, and exclusion from decision-making processes. She emphasized that GR 39 serves as a powerful tool for ensuring justice, equity, and inclusion for Indigenous Women in Nepal and around the world. Hon. Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, in his keynote address, applauded the progress Nepal has made over the years in advancing women’s rights. He emphasized the importance of recognizing these achievements while adopting a forward-looking approach to address persistent challenges. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under international frameworks, including CEDAW, and pledged to work closely with organizations like NIWF to promote the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. His speech resonated with optimism and a call for collaboration among all stakeholders. Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairman of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, added his voice to the dialogue by emphasizing the importance of legislative and policy-level reforms to uphold the principles of GR 39. He called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that the rights enshrined in CEDAW are realized in practice, particularly for marginalized communities like Indigenous Women.

The program concluded with a powerful and inspiring speech by Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF. She called upon the government to fulfill its responsibility in reporting progress to the CEDAW Committee, emphasizing the need for concrete actions rather than mere commitments. Ms. Lama urged all stakeholders—government bodies, civil society organizations, and the international community—to work collaboratively to ensure that GR 39 translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Indigenous Women and Girls. Her speech served as a rallying cry for continued advocacy and accountability.
The event was a resounding success, providing a critical platform for dialogue on the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of all participants to advancing gender equality and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The discussions and feedback gathered during the program will serve as a foundation for strengthening the implementation and impact of CEDAW General Recommendation 39 in Nepal.