From 9th to 11th July 2025, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized a three-day training on Masculinity, Gender-Based Discrimination, and Social Norms for its staff, board members, and consortium partners—Dalit Women Network and Nepal Muslim Women Welfare Society (NMWWS). The training aimed to deepen understanding of gendered power structures and challenge harmful social norms within diverse communities. The program commenced with opening remarks by NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, who highlighted the importance of critical reflection on gender roles, especially in the context of Indigenous and marginalized communities. Ms. Manorama from UN Women also delivered insightful remarks, emphasizing the need for intersectional approaches to gender justice.

The sessions were facilitated by GESI expert Dr. Sangram Lama, with support from team leader Ms. Pooja Shrestha. Vice Chairperson of NIWF, Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, delivered a compelling presentation on the Indigenous Peoples' Movement, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and General Recommendation No. 39 on the rights of Indigenous women and girls. Additionally, Mr. Amrit Sunuwar, Chairperson of Sunuwar Samaj Sewa, presented on the critical role of media in amplifying marginalized voices. He also addressed the media’s frequent bias and its failure to represent the issues of Indigenous and excluded communities adequately. The training created a space for reflection, learning, and collective strategizing toward building inclusive narratives and challenging discriminatory social norms.