Indigenous women of Nepal face multiple forms of discrimination. Indigenous women, being indigenous peoples, face racial, linguistic, religious, cultural, economic, political discrimination and exclusion. Also, indigenous women, being women, face gender discrimination. Thus, indigenous women are victimized by ideologies, policies and practices of Bahunbad (Brahmanism) and patriarchy.
Empowerment and strengthening of indigenous women is a must to end all forms of racial and gender discrimination, exploitation, suppression and oppression against indigenous women. Acceptance of multi-caste and ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural reality of Nepali society by the people’s movement of 1990 has indeed paved a way for non-governmental organizations to contribute for empowerment and strengthening of indigenous peoples, women and other excluded groups and communities. There was growing realization for a need of organized efforts by indigenous women to make development programs for women and indigenous peoples successful, to organize and empower indigenous women from local to national levels on common issues of women, and to work for equity and equality by having common objectives on women’s common issues. It was in this backdrop that the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was founded in 1998.
There are not only common problems and issues of indigenous women and other women and also of indigenous women and indigenous men but also distinct problems and issues that are unique to indigenous women. Therefore, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was established to support and raise awareness of indigenous women, to intensify advocacy for securing rights of indigenous women and indigenous children, and to run programs with focus on advocacy, training, discussion, interaction, study, and research as needed.
On April 24, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, organized a Tunnel Plastic Distribution Program in Bhalukharka, Namobuddha Municipality-11, Kavrepalanchowk. The program aimed to support Indigenous Women farmers by providing tunnel plastic materials to enhance climate-resilient agricultural practices. A total of 20 women farmers from the Bhalukharka Indigenous Women Farmers IPM Group received the materials along with certificates of participation. The event also marked the successful completion of a 20-week Climate-Adaption Agricultural System training focused on climate-resilient farming systems.
This training, facilitated by Mr. Om Krishna Shrestha and supported by MADRE, provided hands-on knowledge to Indigenous women on sustainable agriculture methods tailored to their local environment. Mr. Shankar Prasad Bhattarai, Ward Secretary of Namobuddha Municipality-11, and Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF officially handed over the tunnel plastics and certificates to the 20 women farmers. Their presence highlighted the collaboration between local authorities and Indigenous organizations in promoting agricultural resilience. Other attendees included Ms. Basanti Tamang, Chairperson of the Bhalukharka Indigenous Women Farmers IPM Group, Ms. Sanila Lama, Field Coordinator of NIWF, and social worker Mr. Gyan Bahadur Tamang. The program was facilitated by Ms. Sumina Tamang, Secretary of the IPM Group, while Ms. Rasmila Talim delivered the welcome remarks. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Om Krishna Shrestha for his committed facilitation throughout the training period. His role was crucial in ensuring the participants gained practical skills to apply in their daily farming activities. This initiative reflects NIWF’s ongoing efforts to empower Indigenous women through sustainable agriculture and community-based climate adaptation.
On April 22, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support of NOREC, organized a National Workshop on Indigenous Women's Livelihood and Land Rights. The event was facilitated by Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai, bringing together diverse voices to discuss the critical intersection of Indigenous Women's livelihoods, land rights, and policy. The workshop commenced with opening remarks by NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, who welcomed all participants and provided an overview of the NOREC exchange program. She highlighted the objectives of the workshop and the importance of cross-country learning and solidarity among Indigenous Communities.
A presentation was delivered by NIWF’s exchange volunteers from Bangladesh, Ms. Afsana and Ms. Elizabeth, who shared insights into the work of Badabon Sangho, a grassroots women-led organization in Bangladesh. They discussed the current scenario of land rights in Bangladesh, including the challenges faced by Indigenous and marginalized Women in securing and protecting their lands. Following this, Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai gave a detailed presentation on the land rights situation in Nepal, focusing on existing national policies and their implications for Indigenous peoples. He emphasized the need for stronger policy implementation to ensure equitable land ownership. Mr. Rajendra Dhungana, Under Secretary at Ministry of Forests and Environment further expanded on the role of the government in addressing land rights, underlining gaps in current legal frameworks and the urgency for reform to ensure justice for Indigenous communities. Mr. Divas Rai, General Secretary of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), shared stories of resistance and resilience from various Indigenous communities. He stressed the need for collective advocacy and unity in securing land rights and preserving Indigenous ways of life. From a media perspective, Mr. Fulman Bal, General Manager of Nepal Television, reflected on the influence of Western narratives and highlighted the vital role of media in amplifying Indigenous voices and protecting cultural identity.
The program concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Suni Lama, who expressed her gratitude to all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. She reaffirmed NIWF’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Indigenous women and girls, and advocating for their land rights, dignity, and sovereignty.
On March 28, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), in collaboration with Adivasi Samanta Manch (ASM), jointly organized a sharing program on the research findings of the 'Linking and Learning through Action Research on River Rejuvenation, Indigenous Technology and Knowledge, and Climate Change.' The event served as a platform for Indigenous leaders, researchers to engage in critical discussions on the role of Indigenous knowledge in fostering climate resilience and sustainable environmental practices. The program was facilitated by Ms. Arzoo Rana Thapa, Program Coordinator of INWOLAG, who guided the sessions and ensured a productive exchange of ideas among participants. The event commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Kaushila Rai, General Secretary of INWOLAG, who underscored the significance of this research in amplifying Indigenous voices and reaffirming their leadership in environmental conservation. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of NIWF, INWOLAG, and ASM in undertaking this research and emphasized the need for continued dialogue and action to address climate challenges affecting Indigenous communities.
The highlight of the program was the presentation of key research findings by Ms. Bratindi Jena, Lead Researcher of the project. She provided an in-depth analysis of the study’s outcomes, showcasing how Indigenous communities have long been the custodians of traditional ecological knowledge, utilizing sustainable water management techniques and climate adaptation practices rooted in their cultural heritage. Ms. Jena detailed case studies that demonstrated Indigenous-led initiatives in river rejuvenation, emphasizing their effectiveness in restoring ecosystems and ensuring water security for local populations. She further elaborated on how Indigenous technology and practices can complement modern scientific approaches to address climate change.
Representing NIWF, Ms. Sushila Maya Gole, Treasurer of NIWF, addressed the gathering, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Women in environmental stewardship. She stressed the urgent need to integrate Indigenous perspectives into national and international climate policies and called for greater recognition of Indigenous-led solutions in climate resilience efforts. Ms. Gole also shared insights on how NIWF has been working to empower Indigenous women and communities by documenting traditional knowledge and advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
The discussion session allowed participants to share their reflections on the research findings and discuss actionable strategies for policy advocacy and community-driven initiatives. Many attendees emphasized the importance of protecting Indigenous knowledge systems from exploitation while ensuring that they receive due recognition and support. The conversations underscored the need for a holistic approach that combines Indigenous wisdom, scientific research, and policy interventions to tackle the pressing environmental challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Indira Kumari Shreesh, Chairperson of INWOLAG, who reiterated the significance of collective action in preserving Indigenous wisdom and ecosystems. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the research and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to advance Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Ms. Shreesh called upon governmental and non-governmental organizations to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts and ensure that their voices are heard in climate governance frameworks.
On March 19, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with the Association for Dalit Women's Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN), hosted a parallel event at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Titled "Beijing +30 Review from Indigenous and Dalit Women's Perspectives," the event took place at the UN Church Center, 777 UN Plaza, 10th floor. This session provided a crucial platform for Indigenous and Dalit women’s rights advocates, policymakers, and international stakeholders to assess the progress, challenges, and gaps in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action from an intersectional lens.
The distinguished panel featured prominent voices in gender equality and social justice, including Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairperson of the Women and Social Affairs Committee; Dr. Diana Fox, Professor of Anthropology and Chair at Bridgewater State University, USA; Patricia Cortes, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Specialist at UN Women; Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Patron of ADWAN; and Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, Vice Chair of NIWF. Additionally, Pamela Morgan, Chair of NGO CSW, delivered a special address as the guest speaker.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for governments, civil society organizations, and multilateral institutions to prioritize intersectional approaches in policy-making. Key recommendations included the inclusion of Indigenous and Dalit women in decision-making processes, strengthening grassroots-led initiatives, and amplifying their voices in international advocacy spaces. Through this dialogue, NIWF and ADWAN reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the rights of Indigenous and Dalit women, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are not only heard but also actively shape global gender equality agendas.
On March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women's Day, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized an exchange program for members of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Group. The primary objective of the program was to create a meaningful space for participants to share their experiences, knowledge, and challenges as collective farmers. The event aimed to foster collaboration, enhance agricultural practices, and explore sustainable solutions to the difficulties faced by Indigenous women in farming. The session was facilitated by Ms. Ladipma Kirati, NIWF's Program Officer, and featured an engaging training session led by Ms. Huma Neupane. The training focused on various aspects of collective farming, including identifying key challenges, improving crop yields, and adopting sustainable farming techniques. Through group discussions, participants reflected on the barriers they encounter in agriculture, such as limited market access, climate change, and resource constraints. They also explored practical solutions and strategies to overcome these hurdles, strengthening their resilience as farmers. Additionally, the training provided valuable insights into market-oriented approaches, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively commercialize their vegetable produce. By the end of the session, attendees had a clearer understanding of how to enhance productivity, increase their income, and expand their reach in local and regional markets.
The second half of the program was honored by the presence of Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah of the Committee on Women and Social Affairs, who attended as the Chief Guest. This session was facilitated by Ms. Shanti Waiba. Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF, delivered an inspiring speech, extending her warm wishes to all attendees on the occasion of International Women's Day. She highlighted the persistent struggles faced by Indigenous communities, particularly Indigenous women. She emphasized the need for stronger representation, policy advocacy, and solidarity to ensure the protection and promotion of Indigenous rights. Following this, Ms. Sunita Rana Magar shared her reflections on the program, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to NIWF for organizing such an insightful and empowering event. She acknowledged the significance of creating spaces where Indigenous women can come together, exchange knowledge, and work collectively to build a more inclusive and equitable future. Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah also addressed the participants, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Indigenous women to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community development. He expressed his solidarity with their efforts and underscored the need to stand together in the fight for equal rights and social justice. He further emphasized the importance of policy reforms, institutional support, and grassroots movements in ensuring that Indigenous women receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
As part of the celebration, NIWF also took the opportunity to recognize and honor the winners of this year's Ms. Tamang competition, acknowledging their achievements in representing Indigenous culture and identity. The winners were presented with certificates of appreciation, which were handed over by the Director of Nepal Television, Mr. Fulman Bal. His presence added a special significance to the occasion, as he commended the contributions of Indigenous women in preserving cultural heritage and promoting diversity in Nepal’s media landscape.
