Following the successful first day, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) continued its impactful two-day training on August 10, 2024, focusing on the discussion and review of the Bhumlu Indigenous Workplan Policy with members of Bhumlu Rural Municipality. The second day of the training was facilitated by Ms. Dwarika Thebe, the Executive Director of NIWF, who brought her extensive experience and leadership to guide the sessions. 
The day began with a compelling presentation by Mr. Kamal Sampang Rai, who addressed the critical topic of biodiversity, particularly in the context of climate change. Mr. Rai's presentation shed light on how Nepal's rich biodiversity is being increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change. He discussed the various ways in which rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and habitat loss are impacting flora and fauna across the country. What made Mr. Rai's presentation particularly engaging was his exploration of the deep connection between Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity. He emphasized that Indigenous communities have a profound understanding of their natural environment, which is rooted in centuries of traditional knowledge and practices. This knowledge not only helps preserve biodiversity but also offers sustainable ways to protect and manage natural resources. Mr. Rai’s insights highlighted the invaluable role that Indigenous Peoples play in the global effort to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
The discussion on climate change continued with an in-depth presentation by Mr. Bijay Kumar Singh, who focused on the specific impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities. Mr. Singh articulated how these communities are disproportionately affected by environmental changes, given their close relationship with the land and natural resources. He outlined several critical areas where climate change has disrupted traditional practices, including agriculture, fishing, and hunting. These disruptions have threatened food security, exacerbated poverty, and increased the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Mr. Singh's presentation underscored the urgent need for targeted climate adaptation strategies that are culturally sensitive and community-driven, ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to policy-making processes.
The final presentation of the day was delivered by Mr. Hom Yamphu, who provided an informative overview of key international frameworks that are vital for safeguarding the rights of Indigenous communities. Mr. Yamphu focused on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and ILO Convention 169. He explained how these international frameworks could be effectively integrated into the governance procedures of Bhumlu Rural Municipality. Mr. Yamphu discussed the relevance of each framework in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing how these international standards offer a robust foundation for local policies and practices. He also provided practical guidance on how local authorities could implement these frameworks, ensuring that the rights of Indigenous communities are respected and upheld.
The training concluded with heartfelt speeches from two representatives of Bhumlu Rural Municipality. They expressed their sincere gratitude to NIWF for organizing such a comprehensive and enlightening event. The representatives shared how the training had significantly deepened their understanding of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, as well as other critical international frameworks like UPR, CBD, UNDRIP, and ILO Convention 169.
The second day of the training was a resounding success, building on the momentum of Day 1 and leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The event not only facilitated knowledge sharing but also strengthened the resolve of local leaders to implement policies that honor and protect the heritage, rights, and well-being of Indigenous communities.
On August 9, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) inaugurated a significant two-day training program aimed at fostering dialogue and reviewing the Bhumlu Indigenous Workplan Policy with members of the Bhumlu Rural Municipality. The event marked a crucial step in empowering local leaders and stakeholders to better understand and implement policies that support Indigenous communities, particularly focusing on women and girls. The training commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Suni Lama, the Chairperson of NIWF. Ms. Lama expressed her gratitude to all the participants for their presence and their commitment to the cause of Indigenous rights. Ms. Saraswati Sherpa, Program Officer at NIWF, facilitated the training. With her experience and knowledge, she set the tone for the event, highlighting the objectives of the training and the critical role it plays in strengthening local governance and policy implementation concerning Indigenous rights.
The highlight of the first day was an insightful and comprehensive presentation by Ms. Chanda Thapa, the resource person for the day. Ms. Thapa is renowned for her expertise in the rights of Indigenous women and girls, and her presentation focused on CEDAW General Recommendation 39, which is dedicated to the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. Ms. Thapa provided a thorough overview of CEDAW General Recommendation 39, explaining its significance in addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women. She emphasized that this recommendation is a powerful tool for advocating for the rights of Indigenous women at both national and local levels. Through her presentation, Ms. Thapa illustrated the key aspects of the recommendation, including the importance of preserving cultural identity, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and protecting Indigenous women from violence and discrimination. To make the recommendation more accessible and actionable, Ms. Thapa discussed various strategies for its effective implementation at the local level. She shared practical examples and case studies that demonstrated how communities could use CEDAW GR 39 to advocate for better protection and empowerment of Indigenous women and girls. The participants were encouraged to integrate these strategies into their local workplans and to become proactive advocates for the rights of Indigenous women in their communities.
The first day of training also coincided with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, adding a layer of significance to the event. To honor this important day, a solidarity dinner was organized, bringing together all the participants in a spirit of celebration and unity. The dinner provided an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the day's discussions, share their experiences, and build stronger bonds as they continued to work towards the common goal of advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples. The evening was filled with conversations, cultural exchanges, and a shared sense of purpose, making it a memorable conclusion to a day dedicated to learning, empowerment, and solidarity.
On August 5, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) presented their Position Paper to the Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality in a formal ceremony. The handover was spearheaded by NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, with the support of Treasurer Ms. Sushila Gole, Sachita Tamang, and other dedicated members of the forum. Together, they presented the document to Acting Mayor, Ms. Sita Thapa. 
During the event, Ms. Suni Lama delivered a speech highlighting NIWF's unwavering dedication to supporting Indigenous women who have returned from foreign employment. She stressed the importance of income generation, as well as family and social rehabilitation, for these women. Ms. Lama called on the municipality to implement proactive measures that would connect these women with viable income-generating opportunities, ensuring their economic stability and social integration. The program was facilitated by Sabnam Lama, who ensured the smooth flow of the proceedings. Additionally, Savita Tamang eloquently read the statement from the Position Paper, outlining the key points and recommendations proposed by NIWF.
On July 31, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) hosted a reception dinner with Q’apaj Conde, Associate Programme Management Officer at UN Biodiversity and Co-chair of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus. The event celebrated the visit of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat Team and the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) Team to Nepal, who were in the country for a regional capacity-building workshop titled "Achieving Target 3: Beyond Boundaries." The workshop was held over two and a half days at ICIMOD, Khumaltar.
Distinguished guests at the reception dinner included Hon. Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa of the Indigenous Nationalities Commission, Hon. Chair Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary of the Tharu Commission, Vijay Singh, Assistant Country Director of UNDP, Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF, Gelje Sherpa, Chair of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), Diwas Rai, Buddha Ghartee Vice Chair of NEFIN, General Secretary of NEFIN, Sangeeta Lama, Chair of Sankalpa, Ek Raj Sigdel of WWF, Barsha Lekhi, I.E Specialist of UNESCO, Bijendra Basnyat of UNDP, Vivek Sharma of GEF-SGP, Kumar Yatru, Producer of Indigenous Television, Dhani Ram Tharu of Tharu Aayog, Kamal Sampang Rai of NIFB, Bishwas Chepang, Program Coordinator of CIPRED.
The reception dinner was facilitated by NIWF's Program Officer, Ms. Saraswati Sherpa. During the event, Mr. Kamal Sampang Rai presented on the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in Nepal. Hon. Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa discussed the role of Nepali Indigenous Nationalities in biodiversity conservation. Hon. Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary also provided insights on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and biodiversity. Mr. Ghana Shyam Gurung shared his perspectives on biodiversity, and Mr. Vijay Kumar Singh offered additional insights. Our special guest speaker, Q’apaj Conde, shared valuable insights on Indigenous Peoples and Biodiversity from a global perspective.
The dinner reception provided an opportunity for key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from international organizations, and Indigenous leaders, to network and discuss the role of Indigenous Communities in biodiversity conservation. It also served as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences related to biodiversity and Indigenous issues on both a national and global scale.
The High Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the main UN platform on sustainable development. The theme for 2024 was ‘Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions’. National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF)'s Chairperson Ms.Suni Lama, Vice-Chair Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan and Member of Gandaki Province Hon. Bimala Gauchan participated at the High Level Political Forum 2024, from 8th July to 18th July 2024 in UN Women Headquarters, New York.
Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, Vice-Chair of NIWF, was a speaker at the side event titled "Mapping the Path to Feminist Climate Justice: Redefining the Pact of the Future." This side event was organized by Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), FEMNET, Women Environmental Programme (WEP); Women’s Major Group, WomenPower2030, Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development(APWLD), La Fundación para Estudio e Investigación de la Mujer (FEIM), GEF Action Coalition on Feminist Action for Climate Justice convened by UN Women.
She provided valuable insights from the perspective of Indigenous Women and offered several recommendations. Ms. Bhattachan emphasized the necessity of addressing intersectionality in any climate action policy, plan, or program. She discussed the significant impact of climate change on Indigenous Peoples in Nepal, highlighting how the livelihoods of Indigenous Women have been adversely affected. Moreover, Ms. Bhattachan pointed out that Indigenous Communities often perceive climate change as a natural phenomenon due to their limited awareness of Sustainable Development Goal 13, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the grassroots level. This lack of awareness underscores the need for more inclusive and accessible climate education and advocacy efforts.
HLPF is a crucial platform for Indigenous People because it ensures their voices are included in global policy discussions, allowing them to influence decisions that impact their Communities directly. HLPF provides opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to influence policy development and build their capacity for effective international advocacy. Overall, the HLPF plays a vital role in ensuring that Indigenous Perspectives are recognized and valued in sustainable development efforts. So it is important for Indigenous People to participate in HLPF.
On June 28th and 29th, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG) and supported by MADRE, organized a 2-day workshop on Cyber Security for young Indigenous Women and Girls at Itahiti-5 Chhampi, Godawari. The workshop specifically targeted Pahari and Nagarkoti Indigenous Girls. NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, and Treasurer, Ms. Sushila Gole, also attended the program to share their insights on cyber security. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. kabita bahing, an Indigenous feminist storyteller, and Ms. Dikshya Khadgi.
Photo Description: kabita bahing giving presentation on Cyber Security
Day 1: The workshop began with a Mandala Workshop utilizing visual storytelling to explore Indigenous identity by examining concepts of “Intersectionality, Indigeneity, and Indigenous Girls from marginalized Indigenous communities.” Bandana Pahari, the Treasurer of FIG, discussed the current context of the Pahari Community and highlighted key issues. The interaction of marginalized Indigenous identities on the internet was examined, along with the online experiences of Indigenous Women and Girls, associated risks, marginalization, and safety concerns. Participants mapped digital risks specific to Indigenous Girls. The day concluded with assignments on how to safely interact online and identify appropriate online interactions.
Photo Description: Group Photo with their Mandala Art work
Day 2: The second day began with the "Flights of Care" session, focusing on identifying online violence through mapping participants' online experiences. Ms. Dikshya Khadgi, a lawyer, discussed cybersecurity and the legal provisions and policies in Nepal that address online violence. This was followed by an in-depth exploration of the concept and root causes of online violence by Ms. kabita bahing, highlighting the gaps in understanding these issues. The "Hacking Hate" session involved mapping and developing strategies to respond to online violence and threats. This included an introduction to "Hacking Hate," building responses, and creating strategies to ensure online safety at both personal and community levels. The workshop concluded with a visualization of digital safety practices and a summarization and evaluation of the workshop. Certificates were awarded to participants, and the closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Bandana Pahari, Treasure of FIG.
Photo Description: Participant being handed certificate for their participation in the workshop
Photo Description: Banner of the 2-Day Workshop
On June 22-23, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) held a training program on implementing CEDAW GR 39 in Nepal and addressing contemporary Indigenous Peoples' issues with members of the Women and Social Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. Facilitated by NIWF's Vice Chairperson, Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, and Executive Director, Ms. Dwarika Thebe, the program opened with a welcome speech from NIWF's General Secretary, Ms. Manmaya Tamang. The chief guest, Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, also gave a speech. The inauguration ceremony included candle lighting, led by Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah and NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama.
Dr. Krishna Bhattachan presented on the major contemporary issues facing Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and highlighting its frequent misuse. Sankhar Limbu discussed the implementation of CEDAW GR-39 within the Nepali legal system, underscoring its crucial role in safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls. Himmat Singh Lekali stressed the importance of self-assessment, self-monitoring, and self-negotiation. Simrika Sharma spoke about Data and Information Literacy, the critical role of media in shaping our thoughts, and provided insights on enhancing public speaking skills through media. Arun Rai highlighted the significance of E-Libraries and explained how to effectively utilize them to obtain accurate information.
Training committee members is essential to addressing these issues and fostering equality and social justice. Enhancing the capacities of committee members will strengthen their ability to oversee and evaluate laws and policies, ensuring accountability and better outcomes for Indigenous Women. With this aim NIWF organized this training program with the committee members. The program ended with NIWF's chairperson Ms. Suni Lama's speech thanking everyone for their participation and dedication towards making the program successful.
Photo Description: Candle-lighting ceremony to inaugurate the program.
From June 11-13, 2024, Ms. Saraswati Sherpa, the Program Officer of the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), attended the 2nd Indigenous and Local Knowledge Dialogue for the Global Environment Outlook 7 (GEO-7) held in Oaxaca, Mexico. This event was a significant milestone in the effort to incorporate the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities into the GEO-7 report. The dialogue aimed to enhance the preparation of the GEO-7 assessment by integrating Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Local Knowledge (LK), which are vital for a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. The 2nd IK&LK Dialogue is a follow-up to the first dialogue held earlier in 2024, which took place virtually. These dialogues are part of a broader initiative to ensure that the insights and wisdom of Indigenous and local communities are reflected in global environmental assessments. The inclusion of IK&LK is crucial for developing sustainable and culturally relevant strategies to address environmental issues.
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is a series of reports produced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that review the state and direction of the global environment. These reports are developed through a global process involving regional, national, and local inputs from around the world. GEO reports provide an authoritative assessment of the environmental challenges facing the planet and offer solutions based on scientific analysis and the knowledge of diverse communities. The program on Indigenous Knowledge and Local Knowledge Dialogue supports the preparation of the GEO-7 report by providing a platform for Indigenous and local perspectives. This approach acknowledges the value of traditional ecological knowledge and the lived experiences of communities who are often on the frontlines of environmental change. By incorporating IK&LK, GEO-7 aims to offer more holistic and inclusive solutions to global environmental issues.
In summary, the 2nd IK&LK Dialogue for GEO-7 in Oaxaca, attended by Ms. Saraswati Sherpa, underscores the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems into global environmental assessments. This initiative by UNEP reflects a commitment to inclusive and participatory processes in addressing the complex environmental challenges of our time.
Photo Description: NIWF's Program Officer Ms. Saraswati Sherpa sharing her insights.
Photo Description: Offerings from the participants in Day 1.
On 30th May 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum(NIWF) in collaboration with Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) conducted a press release on the findings of "Women Human Rights Impact Assessment (WHRIA) Pilot Test: Addressing Gendered Impacts of Development Projects". “The Sunkoshi river is connected to our identity and existence; if the hydropower project destroys the river, our existence, identity – language, rituals, culture – will be destroyed as well.” This was the resounding call of the Women from Kunauri and Bhatauli Communities who lamented the life-changing impacts of the Sunkoshi hydropower dam. Indigenous Communities are facing the threats of forced displacement and the subsequent loss of livelihoods, potential discrimination in enjoyment of economic and social rights, and the disruption to the beliefs and practice of cultural rituals and traditions that are essential rights of the Majhi Indigenous Peoples. Women will also face additional struggle of fending for their family.
In 2018-2020, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), conducted the Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) that revealed the gendered impacts of the Sunkoshi-II Hydropower Dam that the Mahji Indigenous Community was facing. Along the course of the participatory study, it was determined that the Indigenous Women in the target site for the development project are unaware of the construction that will threaten their human rights, lives and livelihood including those of the others in the Communities. Currently, not much is known about the status of the Sunkoshi-II and Sunkoshi-III projects. Public hearings and consultations have supposedly been announced where various groups and sectors were encouraged to participate and chime in with regards to the possible impact of the development project. However, with the lack of diverse sources for news or updates on the hydropower dam, the development projects appear to remain shrouded in secrecy and lack of transparency.
