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.
In a dedicated effort to support Indigenous Returnee Migrant Women (IRMW), the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) participated in the APWLD Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) initiative. As part of this project, NIWF’s Young Researcher Sabnam Lama and Field Coordinator Sanila Lama traveled to Chautara Ward no. 5, Sindhupalchowk, to conduct a transformative Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and establish an organized group of IRMW in the area.
The FGD served as a platform for the IRMW and local coordinators to engage in meaningful discussions, aiming to address critical issues faced by women reintegrating into society after foreign employment. The training focused on the 9 Principles of FPAR, ensuring that the research process is participatory, inclusive, and driven by the needs and aspirations of the IRMW community.
Moreover, the participants were educated on the principles of Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), confidentiality, and voluntary participation, emphasizing the importance of ethical research practices and protecting the rights and privacy of individuals.
A significant aspect of the training was equipping the IRMW with documentation skills through photos and videos. Participants learned various techniques, such as capturing portraits, landscapes, medium shots, close-up shots, long-shot, and landscape videos. This newfound ability to document their experiences and perspectives empowers the IRMW to share their stories and advocate for their needs effectively.
The FGD was conducted in two groups, each facilitated by Young Researcher Sabnam Lama and Local Coordinator Supriya Shrestha. Topics explored included the challenges and opportunities of reintegrating into society after foreign employment, the role of local government in supporting IRMW and generating safer guidelines for Potential Migrant Women.
At the conclusion of the training, an IRMW group was formally established, named “Chautara Laganshil Adiwasi Mahila Samuha,” under the facilitation of Local Coordinator Supriya Shrestha. This group holds the promise of becoming a powerful collective voice for IRMW in the region, advocating for their rights, well-being, and meaningful inclusion in society.
NIWF’s commitment to the APWLD Feminist Participatory Action Research initiative exemplifies its dedication to empowering Indigenous women and supporting their journeys as returnee migrant workers. Through research, documentation, and community engagement, NIWF aims to foster positive change and create an environment where the voices and experiences of IRMW are heard, valued, and acted upon.
With the invaluable support of the Mama Cash Fund, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch (Dang) joined forces for a crucial Assessment of Nepal’s Implementation of the 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations. The assessment delved into critical issues encompassing climate change and gender equality, trafficking, bonded labor, women’s inclusion and participation, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
The Mid-Term Assessment for the UPR was presented by Professor Hom Prasad Yamphu Rai, a respected lecturer in Anthropology at Tribhuvan University. NIWF’s Vice Chairperson, Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, skillfully moderated the Open Floor Discussion during the assessment.
The collaboration between NIWF and Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch, with the support of Mama Cash, underscores the importance of collective efforts in promoting human rights and addressing pressing social challenges. The valuable insights and contributions of all the representatives involved have enriched the discussion on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations.
NIWF extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mama Cash for their support, Mukta Kamalari Bikash Manch for their valuable partnership, and all the representatives for their unwavering commitment to advancing human rights in Nepal. The collaborative endeavor demonstrates the power of partnerships and collective action in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
On 12th July 2023: The momentous occasion unfolded as the National Conference on “Indigenous Women’s Rights and Leadership at the Policy Level” commenced its journey. With great honor, we welcomed Federal and Provincial Level Representatives from all over Nepal.
A brief but meaningful Puja ceremony was initiated, led by Vice-Chair, Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, as participants collectively invoked blessings for the success of the conference.
Resource persons, and experts in their respective fields, delivered thought-provoking speeches on the significant themes of the conference, including the Right to Self-Determination and Effective Tools to Safeguard the Rights of Indigenous Women.
Amidst the busy schedule, moments of respite emerged, allowing participants to engage in heartfelt conversations, and bond over refreshing tea, delectable snacks, and nourishing meals. As the sun descended, the day saw a colorful ending with “Solidarity Night.” It was an enchanting celebration, a jubilant tapestry of colors, music, and dance that embodied the unity and indomitable spirit of all Indigenous Communities.
Vice-Chairperson to NIWF Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, is currently attending the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Twenty-second Session: 17-28 April 2023. Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD).
April 16, 2023, the opening prayers were performed by the NIWF Vice-Chairperson at the Rosa Luxembourg office in the traditional Thakali direction with the delegates from Sudan, Panama, Philippines, USA,MADRE, and the RLS team.
With S. James Anaya, an internationally recognized scholar, and author in the areas of international human rights and issues concerning indigenous peoples.
With Former Chair of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Glaydias Acosta.