One of the Largest networking umbrella organizations in Nepal
Advocacy on International Platforms
Fostering Intergenerational Knowledge transfer
About Us
About Us

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.

Empowering Women
Our objective is to empower Indigenous Women to become the primary defenders and proponents for securing their rights, as previously highlighted in the GR-39 and CEDAW reports from past years. By doing so, we aim to capacitate Indigenous Women and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to advocate for their rights and achieve gender equality in their communities.
Mission
Our Misson
Advocate ensuring the rights of highly marginalized and endangered indigenous people particularly women.
Promoting the social, cultural, political and economical rights of indigenous women
Intervening in areas where Indigenous women needs support by finding out and assessing the social situation of indigenous women.
Assisting Indigenous women in mobilizing resources from local, national and other sources so as to make them economically independent.
To increase awareness level of people on the issues of indigenous women widely through publications of different types of publications.
To organize exploited and marginalized women so that they are able to understand their rights and work to ensure their rights and aware the community on various issues such trafficking of women.
Empower Indigenous Women:
Our Work
What We Do
‍NIWF’s support indigenous women to be an equal partner in the national development.
Lobbying
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) plays a pivotal role in lobbying for the rights of Indigenous Women, ensuring that their voices are heard at all levels of governance. By engaging with politicians, lawmakers, and other key stakeholders, as well as participating in regional and international platforms, NIWF strives to make the state and other relevant bodies responsible and accountable for upholding and advancing the rights of Indigenous Women. NIWF actively lobbies politicians and lawmakers to promote policies that protect and empower Indigenous Women. Our approach includes direct meetings, policy briefings, and presenting evidence-based research to inform and influence legislative processes. By maintaining a persistent presence in political arenas, we ensure that the issues affecting Indigenous Women are prioritized and addressed in policy discussions and decision-making. NIWF is dedicated to lobbying for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls at all levels of governance. Our comprehensive approach, rooted in research and collaboration, ensures that the voices of Indigenous Women are heard and that their rights are prioritized in policy and practice.
Leadership Development & Advocacy
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) is dedicated to fostering the leadership potential of Indigenous Women and Girls. Recognizing the critical role that leadership plays in empowering Communities and driving social change, NIWF offers a range of training, workshops, and programs designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills of Indigenous Women and Girls. NIWF's leadership development programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Women and Girls. Through these initiatives, NIWF not only equips individuals with the tools they need to lead effectively but also strengthens the broader movement for Indigenous rights and social justice. NIWF is committed to nurturing the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Our programs for young leaders are designed to inspire and engage Indigenous Girls, providing them with early exposure to leadership and advocacy. Our work in this area is a testament to our commitment to social justice, equality, and the empowerment of Indigenous Communities.
Human Rights
Since its establishment, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has been steadfastly dedicated to advancing the human rights of Indigenous women and girls. Our commitment to human rights is reflected in our comprehensive approach, which spans grassroots initiatives to high-level policy advocacy. NIWF ensures meaningful and result-oriented engagement at all levels, advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples through persistent advocacy and strategic lobbying. NIWF recognizes the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Women and Girls, who often experience compounded discrimination based on their gender and ethnicity. NIWF’s advocacy efforts focus on promoting their rights and addressing issues such as violence, discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and economic marginalization. NIWF works to amplify their voices, ensuring they are heard and respected in all spheres of life. At the grassroots level, NIWF engages directly with Indigenous Communities to understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. NIWF conducts workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate Indigenous Women and Girls about their rights. NIWF extends its advocacy efforts to the policy-making arena, where NIWF strives to influence laws, policies, and practices that impact Indigenous Peoples. Our policy advocacy is based on rigorous research and grounded in the lived experiences of Indigenous Women and Girls. We engage with policymakers, government officials and stakeholders to push for legislative reforms and the implementation of policies that protect and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Research & Publication
Research and Publication are integral to the mission of the National Indigenous Women Forum. Through empirical research, policy reviews, and the dissemination of our findings, NIWF strives to bring Indigenous issues to the forefront and advocate for meaningful change. NIWF’s work not only informs and educates but also empowers Indigenous Communities by amplifying their voices and experiences. NIWF believes that well-informed advocacy, grounded in solid research, is essential for achieving justice, equality, and respect for Indigenous Peoples. NIWF conducts extensive empirical research on a wide range of Indigenous issues. This research is designed to uncover the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples, identify systemic challenges, and document the cultural, social, and economic realities within these Indigenous Communities. Our research methodology is rooted in participatory approaches, ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but are integral to the research process. By engaging directly with Community members, we gather qualitative and quantitative data that reflects the authentic perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.
Youth Initiative
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) is dedicated to fostering the empowerment of Indigenous Girls and Youth through a variety of training programs, workshops, and initiatives. Understanding the unique challenges faced by young Indigenous individuals, NIWF has made it a priority to provide them with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to thrive. Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG) operates as a sister organization to NIWF, with a specialized focus on raising awareness and addressing critical issues among Indigenous Girls and Youth. FIG aims to educate and empower young Indigenous individuals on topics such as climate change, sex, gender, sexuality, and gender-based violence. By tackling these vital issues, FIG seeks to create a generation of informed and empowered leaders who can advocate for themselves and their communities. In 2023, NIWF launched Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF), an initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities to Indigenous Girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This fund offers scholarships that enable these Young Indigenous Girls to pursue their education and achieve their academic goals. The work of National Indigenous Women Forum and Focus for Indigenous Girls represents a holistic approach to empowerment. Through awareness campaigns, education, leadership training, and financial support, NIWF and FIG are making significant strides in improving the lives of Indigenous Girls and Youth. Their efforts ensure that the next generation of Indigenous leaders is well-prepared to address the complex issues of today and tomorrow, driving positive change within their Communities and beyond.
Documentation
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous knowledge, languages, cultures, and traditions. Recognizing the profound value these elements hold, NIWF has made it their mission to document and safeguard them for future generations. Indigenous knowledge, in particular, offers invaluable solutions to contemporary challenges like climate change, making its preservation crucial. Indigenous knowledge encompasses a deep understanding of the natural world, developed over centuries through close interaction with the environment. This knowledge includes sustainable agricultural practices, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies that have been honed to perfection. By documenting and disseminating this knowledge, NIWF ensures that these time-tested solutions remain accessible and can be integrated into broader climate action efforts. One of NIWF’s significant initiatives is the documentation of the Bankariya Community’s language. The Bankariya are an endangered Indigenous community in Nepal, with their language at risk of extinction. With only a few elders fluent in the mother tongue, the language is perilously close to disappearing. This loss would mean the erasure of a vital component of the community’s identity, culture, and history. Documentation is important in preservation of Identity and Culture, Educational and Research Value, Empowerment and Advocacy. The work of NIWF in documenting Indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultures is a vital endeavour. It ensures that the wisdom and traditions of Indigenous Peoples are preserved for future generations, while also providing crucial solutions to modern challenges such as climate change. Through these efforts, NIWF is fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich world.
Climate Justice
Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous Women, are among the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change. The unique challenges they face require tailored solutions that not only address immediate needs but also promote long-term sustainability and resilience. The National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has recognized this critical need and has been at the forefront of advocating for climate justice. To empower Indigenous Women and their communities, NIWF has initiated a series of comprehensive Climate Smart Farming training programs. These programs are specifically designed to help Indigenous Women Groups develop sustainable agricultural practices that enable them to produce fresh vegetables throughout the year, including off-season periods. By implementing these practices, the women can sustain themselves and their families, ensuring food security and economic stability. One of the most significant achievements of NIWF’s training programs has been the substantial reduction in the use of chemical pesticides. The women have embraced environmentally friendly farming techniques, which are beneficial not only for their health but also for the preservation of their natural surroundings. This shift towards organic farming practices contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and reducing environmental pollution. Achieving climate justice requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of climate change. It involves ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities are heard and that their rights and needs are prioritised and NIWF works to bring forth Indigenous Peoples voices.
Economic Empowerment
Since its establishment in 1998, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has been steadfast in its mission to economically empower Indigenous Communities. By offering a diverse range of training programs and workshops, NIWF ensures that the specific needs and demands of these Indigenous Communities are effectively addressed. A cornerstone of NIWF's initiatives is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training, which has been instrumental in empowering Indigenous Women groups through sustainable agricultural practices. This training not only enhances their agricultural productivity but also fosters economic independence, allowing them to support their families and communities more effectively. In addition to agricultural training, NIWF has introduced soap-making workshops tailored for the Bankariya and Chepang Women groups. These workshops provide the skills necessary for these women to produce and market soap, creating a reliable source of income and promoting self-sufficiency. The success of these programs is evident in the improved economic conditions and enhanced quality of life for the participants. NIWF's commitment to economic empowerment extends beyond agriculture and soap making. NIWF has also facilitated training in pickle making and knitting, providing Indigenous Women with a variety of skills to generate income. These trainings are designed not only to impart technical skills but also to encourage entrepreneurship and business acumen among the participants. Furthermore, NIWF places a strong emphasis on leadership development. By offering leadership training programs, the organization aims to equip Indigenous Women with the confidence and skills needed to take on leadership roles within their Communities. These programs are crucial for fostering a sense of agency and empowering Women to advocate for their rights and the rights of their Communities. Through its comprehensive and multifaceted approach, NIWF has made significant strides in economically empowering Indigenous Women. The organization’s efforts have led to sustainable economic development, greater financial independence, and improved social standing for many women within Indigenous communities. NIWF remains committed to continuing its work, adapting its programs to meet evolving needs, and expanding its reach to empower even more Indigenous Women in the future.
Our News
Latest Updates
2025-06-06 13:01:53
NIWF celebrated World Environment Day

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) successfully organized a community-level event in Bishambhara, Shankharapur Municipality, Kathmandu under the global theme "Beat Plastic Pollution." The objective of the program was to raise awareness about environmental protection and highlight the importance of reducing plastic pollution, especially in rural and Indigenous communities. The event engaged 27 Tamang women farmers from the local Bishambhara Tamang Women Farmers' Group, promoting their role as stewards of sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation. As part of the celebration, Bodhi seed malas (Buddha chitta) were distributed to all participating women, symbolizing peace, awareness, and a spiritual connection to nature. This activity was supported through funding from Mama Cash.

The program was graced by the presence of Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF, Ms. Sushila Maya Gole, Treasurer, Ms. Puja Shrestha, Team Leader, Ms. Anju Gurung, Program Officer, Ms. Sanila Lama, Field Coordinator, Ms. Kavita Magar, Intern, as well as Ms. Junta Tamang, Chairperson of the Bishambhara Tamang Women’s Group, and other members of the group.




2025-05-26 13:04:30
NIWF celebrated World Biodiversity Day 2025

On 22 May 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) celebrated World Biodiversity Day under the global theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” The event brought together government representatives, development partners, Indigenous leaders, and civil society actors to reaffirm the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The program was facilitated by Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai, Indigenous rights activist and environmental advocate, who guided the discussions around the intersections of Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and policy. The event was graced by Hon. Rupa B.K., State Minister for Forests and Environment, as the Chief Guest. In her remarks, Hon. B.K. acknowledged the historical and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities in preserving biodiversity and committed to ensuring the inclusion of Indigenous voices in Nepal’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

Special guests at the event included: Dr. K.C. Paudel, Team Leader of NBSAP, Mr. Rajendra Dhungana, Under Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Mr. Raghu Ram Parajuli, Senior Scientific Officer, Department of Plant Resources, Mr. Bijaya Singh, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP, Mr. Divas Rai, General Secretary, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Ms. Seema Khan, Chairperson, Nepal Muslim Women Welfare Society, Mr. Amrit Sunuwar, Chairperson, Sunuwar Samaj, Mr. Fulman Bal, General Manager, Nepal Television.

Each speaker shared valuable insights on the importance of World Biodiversity Day and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive, rights-based, and ecologically balanced development. They highlighted the urgent need to protect Indigenous knowledge systems, land rights, and traditional practices as essential components of biodiversity conservation. The program concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF, who expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed NIWF’s commitment to advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in national and global environmental policies.


2025-05-16 14:14:00
Education material distribution to IGOF Candidates

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support of MADRE, distributed educational materials including school uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery, and rice to three Indigenous girl students at Bishambhara, Ward No. 5 of Shankharapur Municipality, Kathmandu. Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF, handed over the materials to the recipients under the Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF).

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) with the support of MADRE, provided educational scholarships to two Thami girls from Kalinchok Rural Municipality, Dolakha. The support included school uniforms, shoes, school bags, notebooks, pens, and pencils. The scholarship recipients, currently studying in Grades 4 and 8, received the materials during a distribution event held on Wednesday in Sundrawati, Ward No. 9.

The scholarship is part of the Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF), which was established in 2023. Since its inception, the Fund has been awarding annual scholarships to diligent and economically marginalized Indigenous students through NIWF. In addition to the educational supplies, the scholarship also covered the full tuition fees for the academic year for both students ensuring they can continue their education without financial barriers.

2025-05-16 14:03:16
NIWF organized a meeting on the challenges faced by Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal and Bangladesh due to Climate change

On 13th May 2025, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) organized a meeting titled “Challenges Faced by Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal and Bangladesh Due to Climate Change” in Ward No. 6 of Bhumlu Rural Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk. This meeting served as a cross-border exchange of experiences, perspectives, and strategies between Indigenous women leaders from Nepal and Bangladesh, with a focus on how climate change disproportionately affects Indigenous communities especially women and girls. The program brought together the Indigenous women’s group from NIWF’s Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal (CLAN) project, two youth volunteers from Bangladesh, the team from the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC), and NIWF staff. The diverse representation at the meeting allowed for an engaging and reflective dialogue on shared challenges, grassroots resilience, and the urgency of strengthening climate leadership among Indigenous women and girls.

The Chairperson of Bhumlu Rural Municipality also joined the session and delivered remarks underlining the vital role of Indigenous communities in climate action. He emphasized the importance of supporting community-led initiatives and empowering Indigenous women to take leadership roles in climate adaptation and decision-making. He also acknowledged NIWF’s efforts in strengthening local capacities and expressed the municipality’s willingness to collaborate more closely on such inclusive and transformative projects. The meeting fostered mutual learning and solidarity between the participants, affirming that although the specific geographic and cultural contexts may differ, the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous women due to climate change are strikingly similar. Participants agreed on the need for continued cross-border dialogue, greater investment in Indigenous-led solutions, and stronger advocacy to ensure Indigenous voices are heard in national and international climate policymaking spaces.



2025-04-29 14:41:52
NIWF with the support from MADRE organized a distribution program for the Bankariya, Chepang and Tamang Children of Manahari.

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with financial support from MADRE, organized a school supplies distribution program in Hadikhola, Manahari Rural Municipality Ward 4. A total of 49 children from Grades 1 to 8 received school uniforms, shoes, bags, and essential stationery items. Among the recipients were 22 children from the endangered Bankariya community, 25 from the Chepang community, and 4 from the Tamang community. The distribution was officially carried out by Ward Chairperson Mr. Prakash Thapa. In addition to these items, educational materials were also distributed to 51 children. These included 56 dozen notebooks, 15 packets of dot pens, 5 boxes of pencils, 15 boxes of sharpeners, 15 boxes of erasers, and 50 record files. The program is part of the Santoshi Project, which also supports the operation of tuition classes for one year. With MADRE’s financial assistance, the project aims to enhance the academic performance of children from marginalized Indigenous communities. Since 2015, Santoshi Bankariya has been conducting tuition classes for Bankariya and other Indigenous children in the area.

The event was organized by NIWF's Field Coordinator Ms. Sanila Lama, staff member Ms. Rukmini Shrestha, Bangladeshi volunteers Ms. Eliza Baske and Ms. Afsana Ani. Mr AshokSujan Shrestha from Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Journalists (FoNIJ) was also present in the program as guest and news coverer.


Reach
Our Reach
27
Districts
110 +
Municipality
100k +
People reached
25 +
Years of Service
Partners
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