On February 22, 2025, the 10th-week review program of the Climate Adaptation Agricultural System was successfully conducted in Bhalukharka, Namobuddha Municipality, Ward 11, Kavre. This program, organized by the Bhalukharka Indigenous Women Farmers Group, aimed to assess the progress made by the participants in adopting climate-adaptive farming techniques and to encourage further engagement in sustainable agricultural practices. A total of 40 participants, including local farmers and community members, attended the program, contributing to meaningful discussions and reflections on their experiences over the past ten weeks.

The event was graced by the presence of the chief guest, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Tamang, Ward Chairperson of Namobuddha Municipality, Ward 11. He acknowledged the efforts of the Indigenous women farmers and emphasized the significance of climate-resilient agricultural practices in ensuring food security and economic stability for rural communities. Additionally, Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the crucial role of Indigenous women in sustainable agriculture. She stressed the importance of advancing their skills, knowledge, and farming systems to enhance their livelihoods and economic independence. She further encouraged them to take ownership of their agricultural initiatives and explore new opportunities for growth.

The primary objective of this initiative was to engage Indigenous women from rural areas in climate-adaptive farming systems, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, resources, and technical skills to build resilience against climate change. By empowering women farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices, the program aims to strengthen local food systems, promote economic self-sufficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability for Indigenous communities. The success of this review program marked an important milestone in fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the region.

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 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.

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.

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.