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 February 6, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized a discussion and interactive program titled "Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021-2050 Review Report." The event took place in Ward No. 5 of Bhumlu Rural Municipality, Kavre district, and brought together key stakeholders to review the implementation of the NAP within the municipality, focusing on its impact on Indigenous Peoples — particularly Indigenous women. Mr. Hom Yamphu, a consultant at NIWF, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the NAP’s objectives, core strategies, and long-term implications. He highlighted how the plan seeks to build climate resilience by addressing the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities, while also stressing the need for stronger representation of Indigenous voices in both local and national adaptation processes.
A total of 35 participants attended the event, including local government officials from Bhumlu Rural Municipality, Indigenous women leaders, community members, and climate activists. The discussions focused on identifying gaps in the NAP’s implementation, exploring how traditional knowledge systems can contribute to sustainable solutions, and advocating for inclusive policies that reflect the realities faced by Indigenous women. The event concluded with a collective call for action, urging local authorities to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous organizations like NIWF to create more effective, community-driven climate responses. The insights and recommendations gathered from this program will contribute to NIWF’s ongoing advocacy for Indigenous-inclusive climate policies at both the municipal and national levels.
February 5, 2025 – Geneva: At the 90th session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) actively advocated for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. In collaboration with five other Indigenous Women-led organizations, NIWF has submitted a shadow report highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous women. The report outlines key concerns, including discriminatory provisions in Nepal’s constitution, policies, and laws; the severe underrepresentation of Indigenous women in state decision-making processes; the neglect of their rights to land, territories, and productive resources; and the disproportionate impact of climate change on their livelihoods and traditional practices. Additionally, the report calls for urgent policy and legal reforms to safeguard Indigenous Women and Girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
At the session, NIWF Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, engaged with global stakeholders, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and advocating for urgent legal and policy reforms. She emphasized the intersectional challenges faced by Indigenous women, particularly concerning gender, disability, and feminist perspectives. By leveraging this international platform, NIWF is reinforcing its call for structural changes to uphold the rights of Indigenous women, ensuring their self-determination, access to resources, and full participation in decision-making. This initiative marks a crucial step toward achieving long-overdue justice and recognition for Indigenous Women in Nepal.
The Global Compact for Migration (GCM), adopted by the United Nations in December 2018, is the first intergovernmental agreement to comprehensively address all aspects of international migration. It provides a framework for safe, orderly, and regular migration while upholding national sovereignty. With 23 objectives, the GCM emphasizes human rights, border management, labor migration, and combating human trafficking. Though non-legally binding, it fosters international cooperation and shared responsibility among nations.
Despite global recognition of Indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Indigenous perspectives remain largely absent from migration policies. Indigenous women migrants, in particular, face systemic discrimination at every stage—before departure, while abroad, and upon return. Achieving true climate justice requires migration policies that recognize Indigenous peoples as key rights-holders, ensuring their protection and meaningful participation in decision-making.
At the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Review of the GCM, hosted by ESCAP and the UN Regional Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, Ladipma Kirati, Program Officer at the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), represented Indigenous women’s voices. She underscored the urgent need for migration policies that reflect Indigenous realities, advocating for a rights-based approach that safeguards Indigenous migrant workers from exploitation and exclusion. NIWF remains committed to ensuring that the struggles, voices, and demands of Indigenous migrant women are heard at the global level.
On 26th January 2025, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support of FIMI, organized a sharing and consultation program to review the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021–2050 from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women. The program aimed to assess the extent to which Indigenous voices have been included in Nepal’s long-term climate adaptation strategies and to gather insights for strengthening Indigenous participation in national climate policies. The event was chaired by Ms. Suni Lama, NIWF’s Chairperson, who welcomed the participants and highlighted NIWF’s continued engagement in international advocacy while emphasizing the need for concrete actions at the national level. She stressed the importance of ensuring that policies like the NAP reflect the realities and rights of Indigenous Peoples. Introducing the two key presenters, Mr. Kamal Sampang and Mr. Hom Yamphu, she acknowledged their contributions to NIWF’s advocacy for Indigenous rights. The session was moderated by Mr. Kamal Sampang, ensuring an interactive and engaging discussion.
Mr. Hom Yamphu’s presentation focused on the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples as rights-holders in climate adaptation processes, rather than portraying them as passive victims. He highlighted that while the NAP acknowledges Indigenous communities, it lacks mechanisms for their meaningful participation in decision-making. He also emphasized the value of Indigenous knowledge systems in climate adaptation, advocating for their integration into national policies. His presentation underscored the need for a rights-based approach where Indigenous communities are active partners in shaping climate resilience strategies.
Mr. Kamal Sampang’s presentation addressed the importance of culturally appropriate infrastructure development within the NAP framework. He pointed out that large-scale development projects often lead to land dispossession, displacement, and the loss of sacred sites, disrupting Indigenous ways of life. He also stressed the need for increased awareness about the NAP and biodiversity conservation among Indigenous communities, policymakers, and stakeholders. Additionally, he called for stronger efforts to bridge the gap between policy commitments and actual implementation, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are not just beneficiaries but key decision-makers in climate adaptation efforts.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in an interactive discussion, sharing valuable insights and recommendations. Key suggestions included the development of clear frameworks for Indigenous participation in NAP implementation. The feedback and recommendations gathered during the consultation will be compiled into a review document by NIWF. This document will be submitted to the Ministry of Forests and Environment, advocating for the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Women in Nepal’s climate adaptation policies. By facilitating this consultation, NIWF continues to strengthen Indigenous voices in national climate discussions, ensuring that their perspectives, rights, and knowledge systems are respected and integrated into Nepal’s adaptation strategies.
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, has been conducting a transformative 20-week training program on climate adaptation agricultural systems for the women farmers of Bhalukharka. The initiative, which concluded its third session in Bhalukharka, Ward No. 11, Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, is a key effort to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change while empowering local women farmers to take the lead in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This comprehensive training program engages 22 women farmers, organized into four groups from across the Bhalukharka area. Running from 28th December 2024 to 10th May 2025, the training is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the confidence to implement innovative, climate-resilient farming techniques. It also emphasizes strengthening community ties, fostering a safe environment for learning and collaboration, and enhancing the region's overall social and agricultural systems.
The program focuses on bridging the gap between traditional agricultural practices and modern, sustainable farming solutions that are tailored to the challenges of climate change. Participants are introduced to a variety of techniques, including organic farming, water-efficient irrigation systems, integrated pest management, soil health improvement, and crop diversification. These practices aim to mitigate the adverse effects of erratic weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity that increasingly impact farming communities in the region. This 20-week training program stands as a testament to NIWF’s commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous women to lead and thrive. Through such initiatives, NIWF continues to contribute to building resilient, self-sustaining communities that can adapt to climate challenges while safeguarding their cultural and environmental heritage.
