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 December 27, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized the NBSAP Revision - Nepal Introductory Sharing Event at Indreni Suites Hotel, Kathmandu. This crucial gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, Thematic experts of the NBSAP Technical Committee, Policymakers, and Stakeholders to discuss integrating Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge into Nepal's biodiversity conservation strategies. The event featured key presentations from notable speakers, including Indigenous Biodiversity expert, Kamal Sampang Rai, who emphasized the importance of Indigenous Knowledge asytem and practices in conservation efforts.
Dr. KC Poudel, Biodiversity expert and team lead of NBSAP Technical Committee provided updates on NBSAP progress and the integration of Global Biodiversity Framework targets. Ek Raj Sigdel from WWF discussed Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), Similarly, Bibek Sharma from UNDP GEF Small Grants highlighted the importance of documenting best customary practices.
Discussions featured active participation of WWF, IUCN, UNDP, and various Indigenous Peoples' organizations such as YFIN, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, Kirat Mahasangh, INOWLAG, CIPRED, NIDA, Sunuwar Samaj. The dialogue focused on critical issues, including land rights, human-wildlife conflicts, and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. Participants emphasized the importance of obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for conservation projects and advocated for the meaningful inclusion of Intersections of Indigenous People, in decision-making processes. GESI Expert Sunaina Sharma and Climate Change Expert Ripu Kunwar from the NBSAP Technical Committee shared their insights and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of recognizing intersectionality in these challenges. Rajendra Dhungana, Focal point of CBD from the Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Forests and Environment, shared insightful remarks on the government's priorities for biodiversity conservation and their plan of calling a IPLCs committee under the secretariat. The closing remarks, delivered by the Chair of NIWF and the Indigenous Peoples' representative to the NBSAP Steering Committee, Suni Lama, concluded the event with a key suggestion to the NBSAP technical committee, to ensure the provisions relevant to the connection of Indigenous Women’s rights and contribution in biodiversity preservation ensured by CEDAW General Recommendation 39 is not overlooked and to prioritize meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous Women’s throughout the process.
This dialogue marks a significant step towards ensuring that Nepal's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework while honoring Indigenous knowledge and rights.
On December 21, 2024, the National Indigenous Women’s Forum (NIWF) with the support from MADRE conducted a relief distribution program to support families severely affected by floods and landslides in Temal Rural Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk District. The program, led by NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, Treasurer Ms. Sushila Gole and Field Coordinator Ms. Sanila Lama, provided corrugated sheets to 15 households in Pokhari Narayansthan, Ward No. 5, and Maure, Ward No. 4. This initiative aimed to aid the rehabilitation of vulnerable families who suffered significant losses due to the recent natural disaster.
The distribution was part of NIWF’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous and Marginalized Communities in times of crisis. The devastating floods and landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall in September, caused widespread destruction across Nepal, leading to the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods. In Temal Rural Municipality, where many Indigenous families reside, the impact was particularly severe, with homes destroyed and essential resources lost. Recognizing the urgent need for rehabilitation support, NIWF prioritized providing corrugated sheets, a vital resource for rebuilding damaged homes and shelters. These materials will help the affected families restore basic living conditions and protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. The distribution process was carried out with sensitivity and ensured that the most vulnerable households, including those led by women, elderly members, or individuals with disabilities, were prioritized.
The relief distribution in Temal Rural Municipality is part of NIWF’s broader strategy to respond to disasters and advocate for sustainable recovery efforts. By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience, NIWF aims to empower communities to recover from disasters and rebuild stronger. This initiative reflects NIWF’s unwavering commitment to supporting Indigenous families, especially during times of adversity.
On December 19, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) participated in a landmark meeting held at Singha Durbar, hosted by the Committee on Women and Social Affairs. This high-level program was dedicated to discussing the implementation of CEDAW General Recommendation No. 39, which specifically addresses the rights, protection, and empowerment of Indigenous Women and Girls. The program began with a detailed presentation by Ms. Chanda Thapa Magar, who provided an in-depth explanation of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, its context, and its relevance to the lives of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. She emphasized the critical need for the recommendation to be integrated into national policies and programs to combat intersectional discrimination and systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous communities. Her presentation highlighted how the recommendation calls for the recognition of Indigenous Women and Girls as distinct groups requiring targeted measures to address their unique needs and challenges.
Following her presentation, an interactive discussion session took place, with active participation from members of Parliament, policymakers, and representatives of various ministries. Parliamentarians engaged in a thoughtful exchange of ideas, exploring the implications of General Recommendation 39 and debating actionable strategies to implement its provisions effectively. They discussed key areas such as access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection from violence, all within the broader framework of advancing gender equality and social inclusion. A notable highlight of the meeting was the commitment expressed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens. In a powerful statement, the Secretary reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its general recommendations, including Recommendation 39. This declaration signifies a positive and encouraging step forward in addressing the systemic barriers that Indigenous Women and Girls face in their daily lives. It also represents a vital acknowledgment of the government’s role in fostering inclusivity and equity for all marginalized groups.
By focusing on the practical application of international human rights standards, this event aimed to shape policies and strategies that ensure the empowerment, inclusion, and overall well-being of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. The meeting not only reinforced the significance of CEDAW General Recommendation 39 but also served as a testament to the growing recognition of the critical role Indigenous Women and Girls play in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. Through collaborative efforts and continued dialogue, the program set the stage for meaningful progress in addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalized Indigenous communities and advancing their rights and opportunities in Nepal.
On December 18, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) co-hosted a significant event to reflect on and share the key outcomes from the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 29). This gathering brought together a diverse range of participants, including Indigenous leaders, activists, representatives from civil society organizations, and youth advocates, all united in their commitment to advancing Indigenous perspectives on biodiversity and climate action. The program, chaired by NEFIN Chairperson Mr. Gelje Lama, opened with a warm welcome address from NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama. She highlighted the importance of such platforms for reflecting on global discussions and their implications for Indigenous communities in Nepal and beyond. The event was structured to ensure a dynamic exchange of experiences, with participants sharing their learnings from the global COP sessions and offering critical reflections on the state of Indigenous engagement in these high-level international negotiations.
Mr. Kamal Sampang and Mr. Tunga Bhadra Rai delivered detailed updates on the biodiversity and climate crisis discussions that took center stage at COP 16 and COP 29. Their presentations underscored the urgency of addressing the intertwined challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, particularly through the lens of Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices. They emphasized the need for increased recognition of Indigenous rights and contributions in the global frameworks designed to combat these crises. Representatives from several Indigenous organizations, including CIPRED, LAHURNIP, NIDWAN, and NIWF, shared their direct experiences from participating in COP 16 and COP 29. CIPRED and NIDWAN, represented by young Indigenous advocates, emphasized the critical importance of increasing youth participation from South Asia in these global forums. They shared inspiring stories of their involvement in negotiations and side events, advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous and youth voices in global policy-making processes. NIWF’s representatives reflected on their engagements at COP 29, highlighting the importance of weaving Indigenous women’s voices into discussions on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Mr. Diwas Rai and Mr. Buddha Gharti provided additional perspectives, enriching the dialogue with their personal experiences and observations from COP 29. Their inputs shed light on the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous communities to strengthen their advocacy and mobilize collective action in these global spaces.
The program also featured an informative session by Mr. Dev Kumar Sunuwar, who offered comprehensive insights into the UN Voluntary Fund. He detailed its purpose, application process, and how it has been instrumental in enabling Indigenous representatives to participate in global forums such as the COP sessions. His presentation encouraged more Indigenous leaders and organizations to utilize this resource to amplify their voices on the global stage. This collaborative event served as a vital platform for diverse stakeholders to exchange experiences, foster collective action, and strengthen collaboration on pressing biodiversity and climate change issues from an Indigenous perspective. By bringing together key voices and experiences, the program aimed to amplify Indigenous contributions to global environmental discussions and advocate for more inclusive approaches to tackling climate and biodiversity challenges. Moreover, the event underscored the need for continuous capacity-building, resource mobilization, and networking among Indigenous communities to ensure their meaningful participation in global forums. It also highlighted the role of Indigenous knowledge systems as vital tools for addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Through this reflection and sharing session, NIWF, NEFIN, and their partners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples while promoting sustainable and equitable solutions to global environmental challenges.
