News and Announcement
NIWF Team at AWID Forum 2024 in Bangkok Thailand

From December 2 to 5, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) participated in the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) Forum 2024, a global event held to celebrate and advance feminist and women’s rights movements worldwide. Representing NIWF at this prestigious gathering were Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, Treasurer Ms. Sushila Gole, Executive Director Ms. Dwarika Thebe, and prominent Community Leader Ms. Junta Waiba.

The AWID International Forum is a transformative platform that fosters connections among feminists, women’s rights advocates, gender justice champions, LBTQI+ activists, and allied movements from across the globe. It serves as a unique space to share diverse experiences, heal from collective challenges, and thrive in solidarity. The 2024 Forum continued this legacy by providing an inclusive environment for participants to engage in critical conversations and explore innovative strategies for building a more equitable and just future.


During the Forum, the NIWF team had the opportunity to engage with international stakeholders, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and advocating for their rights within global feminist frameworks. In addition to attending workshops and plenaries, the NIWF team strengthened relationships with key Grantee Partners, including MADRE, MamaCash, and FIMI. These meetings allowed for meaningful exchanges on ongoing collaborations, exploring opportunities to further enhance support for Indigenous women’s leadership and community empowerment initiatives.
The presence of NIWF at the AWID Forum not only highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and social justice but also underscored the critical role of Indigenous perspectives within the broader feminist movement. The event served as a vital space for collective learning, network building, and envisioning transformative pathways for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.


2024-12-05
NIWF and FKDF organized a 2-day Program in Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali titled "The Role of Local Government in the Upliftment of Freed Kamlaris and Indigenous Women and Youth"

On November 30th and December 1st, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF), hosted a significant two-day program in Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali district. The program, titled “The Role of Local Government in the Upliftment of Freed Kamlaris and Indigenous Women and Youth,” sought to bring together stakeholders to discuss pathways to empowerment, policy implementation, and sustainable development for these marginalized groups.

The event was graced by Janaki Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Lalmati Kathariya, who served as the chief guest. Ward No. 3 Chairperson Suresh Chaudhary joined as the special guest, alongside representatives from various organizations. A notable aspect of the program was the active participation of freed Kamlaris, whose firsthand experiences and insights enriched the discussions. Their presence highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by freed Kamlaris and Indigenous women and youth. A central feature of the program was an informative presentation by Mr. Hom Yamphu. His session focused on the existing policies and regulations that impact freed Kamlaris, shedding light on their rights, entitlements, and the gaps in policy implementation. The presentation laid the foundation for an engaging discussion session, where participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and proposed actionable solutions to address the systemic challenges faced by freed Kamlaris.

The program concluded with the presentation of a memorandum to Vice-Chairperson Lalmati Kathariya. The memorandum captured the demands and pressing concerns of freed Kamlaris, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced support and interventions from local governments. Issues such as access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare, and social reintegration were highlighted as critical areas requiring immediate attention. This two-day initiative underscored the collective commitment of all stakeholders to foster meaningful change. By providing a platform for dialogue, the program not only amplified the voices of freed Kamlaris but also reaffirmed the role of local governments in promoting equity, empowerment, and sustainable development for marginalized communities. The discussions and outcomes of the event serve as a stepping stone toward ensuring that the rights and aspirations of freed Kamlaris and Indigenous women and youth are fully realized.

On 2nd December 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) in collaboration with the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF) submitted the Memorandum to Hon. Bir Bahadur Thapa Minister for Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives. The Memorandum outlines the demands and pressing issues faced by freed Kamlaris.


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2024-12-01
NIWF and NEFIN organized a half-day sharing program to disseminate the key outcomes of the recent CBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP29

On 29 November 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) jointly organized a half-day sharing program to disseminate and discuss the outcomes of the recent Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP16 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP29. The event highlighted the implications of these landmark conferences for Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth, and Girls in Nepal. It was facilitated by NIWF's Executive Director, Ms. Dwarika Thebe, who opened the program by underlining the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into global and national environmental policies and commitments.

The program brought together an esteemed panel of experts, practitioners, and government representatives. Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai, Technical Representative for Indigenous Peoples at the Nepal Indigenous Forum for Biodiversity, provided a detailed reflection on COP16, focusing on the progress made in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ contributions to biodiversity conservation. Similarly, Mr. Tunga Badra Rai, Climate Change Expert and Executive Director of NEFIN, shared insights from COP29, highlighting the conference's focus on global climate financing, adaptation, and mitigation. However, he expressed concerns that the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples—such as their disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts and their role as stewards of vital ecosystems—were insufficiently addressed in the final agreements.


Mr. Rajendra Dhungana, Under Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Forests and Environment, and head of the Biodiversity Division, provided a critical analysis of recent conference outcomes and emphasized the urgent necessity for enhanced collaboration between government entities and Indigenous Peoples Organizations and experts in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Mr. Bijendra Basnyat, UNDP's BIOFIN Representative, emphasized the critical role of negotiation and mediation between Indigenous Peoples and the government in securing biodiversity financing for sustainable development. Additionally, Mr. Sonam Sherpa, President of Sherpa Samaj, provided reflections on the significance of these global processes for Indigenous communities in Nepal. Mr. Diwas Rai, Indigenous Representative on the NBSAP Revision Steering Committee, concluded the event by stressing the vital importance of disseminating outcomes at the community level through such sharing programs.
The event provided a critical analysis of COP16 and COP29 outcomes from the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. It highlighted both achievements and shortcomings, emphasizing the need for strategic action to ensure effective implementation of positive outcomes and address remaining challenges.
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2024-11-29
National Indigenous Women Forum's Executive Director in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review

19-21  November 2024, Ms. Dwarika Thebe, Executive Director of the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), participated in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review, held in Bangkok, Thailand. This significant event was organized in collaboration with the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and served as a vital platform to assess regional progress on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA) over the last three decades, with a particular focus on achievements and challenges of the past five years.

The conference brought together a diverse and influential group of participants, including Ministers, senior officials, and representatives from key government ministries. Additionally, it featured a broad array of stakeholders such as civil society organizations, youth groups, academics, private sector leaders, United Nations entities, independent experts, and other prominent actors in the field of gender equality. This multi-stakeholder engagement underscored the interconnected efforts required to address persistent inequalities and emerging challenges in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women across Asia and the Pacific. The discussions provided an opportunity to share good practices and lessons learned while highlighting current and emerging challenges faced by women and girls. Ms. Thebe’s participation ensured that the perspectives and voices of Indigenous women were represented in this critical dialogue.

The outcomes of the conference will serve as a roadmap for future actions, reinforcing commitments to advancing gender equality and empowering women in all their diversity, with a focus on ensuring no one is left behind. For NIWF, this engagement aligns with its ongoing advocacy efforts to elevate the voices of Indigenous women and girls within national and international policymaking forums.

2024-11-19
National Indigenous Women Forum hosted a side event at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

On November 15, 2024, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a side event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Titled "Resilience at Risk: Impact of Loss and Damage from Climate Change on Indigenous Peoples," the event brought together policymakers, experts, and Indigenous representatives to deliberate on the urgent climate challenges facing Indigenous communities. The session featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Ms. Barsa Lekhi of UNESCO and chaired by NIWF's Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, who emphasized the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in global climate dialogues. Hon. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forest and Environment along with Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary also participated in the side event.

The esteemed panelists included Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division, Government of Nepal; Dr. Sher Muhammad of ICIMOD; Mr. Mingma Chiri Sherpa, Chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; and Mr. Binod Parajuli of the Climate Risk and Resilience Lab. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the discussion, which centered on the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and the pressing need for collective action to address these challenges. The discussion underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between national and international agencies to prioritize Indigenous-led climate adaptation. Panelists agreed on the necessity of building resilient frameworks that address challenges from local to global levels, ensuring that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of climate action. The dialogue also spotlighted the invaluable contributions of Indigenous knowledge and practices in enhancing climate resilience, offering lessons for broader global strategies.

The session concluded with a set of actionable recommendations, including the promotion of inclusive policy-making, enhanced investment in risk reduction and adaptation measures, and greater recognition of Indigenous rights in climate governance. Participants left with a renewed commitment to work together to mitigate climate risks, safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, and empower Indigenous communities as key agents of change in the fight against climate change. This side event not only amplified the voices of Indigenous peoples but also reaffirmed their critical role in shaping a sustainable and equitable climate future.

2024-11-15
Weekly Aadivasi HaatBazaar by National Indigenous Women Forum

On November 9 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) continued its “Aadivasi Haat Bazaar” at Thamel Cottage and Canadian Pub. Building on the success of the Bazaar’s previous installment, this event brought Indigenous artisans and producers into the heart of Kathmandu’s vibrant cultural. This continuation aimed to amplify the visibility of Indigenous products, increase awareness of sustainable and climate-smart farming practices, and provide an economic boost to Indigenous Women entrepreneurs by connecting them with a broader audience.

Aadivasi HaatBazaar offered an array of unique, handmade goods, traditional foods, and fresh, sustainably grown produce from Indigenous Communities. Visitors were able to experience a blend of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage with modern sustainability initiatives through the wide variety of products on display. Among these were handcrafted textiles, artisanal jewelry, cultural artifacts, and organically grown vegetables, each product reflecting Indigenous knowledge and eco-friendly practices. The Bazaar aimed to showcase the skill, creativity, and sustainable methods embraced by Indigenous Women, promoting an appreciation for traditional crafts and farming techniques that harmonize with the environment.

A special feature of this Bazaar was the fresh, climate-smart produce brought by NIWF’s Sankharpur Integrated Pest Management (IPM) group. The vegetables showcased were grown using Integrated Pest Management techniques, an approach that combines Indigenous wisdom with sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependency on synthetic pesticides. Through IPM, the Sankharpur group minimizes environmental harm, enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity while promoting safe food production. For many visitors, this produce was an introduction to climate-smart farming and offered an opportunity to learn about the methods Indigenous communities are adopting to address climate challenges. By supporting this produce, visitors not only enjoyed fresh, healthy food but also contributed to the wider movement toward environmentally responsible agriculture in Nepal.

Through events like the Aadivasi Haat Bazaar, NIWF continues to create economic and social platforms for Indigenous women while advocating for sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the environment. The success of this Bazaar in Thamel underscores NIWF’s mission to uplift Indigenous women by combining economic empowerment, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship in meaningful ways.


2024-11-09
National Indigenous Women Forum's Executive Director Ms. Dwarika Thebe at Asia Regional Consultation in Cambodia

From 5th to 7th November 2024, Ms. Dwarika Thebe, the Executive Director of the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), participated in the Asia Regional Consultation Meetings for the 7th Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD held in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The event revolved around the theme, “Indigenous Peoples' Rights to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty.” The consultation began with cultural and spiritual blessings led by Indigenous Elders, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between Indigenous traditions and sustainable practices. These blessings set a tone of respect and solidarity, underscoring the spiritual dimensions of food sovereignty and the importance of maintaining cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges. This regional consultation aimed to prepare for the 2025 Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD, serving as a platform for critical discussions and reflections on the progress made under IFAD's initiatives. Representatives from across Asia came together to evaluate the impacts of nutrition-sensitive agriculture programs, share experiences, and identify key challenges and opportunities for promoting food sovereignty in Indigenous territories.

On 8th and 9th November 2024, Ms. Thebe, also participated in the Asia Indigenous Regional Dialogue with the World Bank, a significant event aimed at fostering mutual trust and understanding between Indigenous Peoples in Asia and the global financial institution. Held in a collaborative spirit, the dialogue provided a platform for constructive engagement and in-depth discussions on the diverse priorities, challenges, and aspirations of Indigenous communities across the region. The primary objective of the dialogue was to explore and co-design parameters for establishing a structured and sustained regional dialogue process between the World Bank and Indigenous leaders. Recognizing the historical and ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in protecting their rights, lands, and cultures, the dialogue sought to bridge gaps in understanding and align strategies for inclusive and sustainable development. Nepali Indigenous leaders, including Ms. Thebe, played a significant role in these discussions, offering critical insights and recommendations to the World Bank. They emphasized the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Nepal, particularly regarding displacement, access to natural resources, and the marginalization of their voices in decision-making processes.


2024-11-05
National Indigenous Women Forum at the Convention on Biological Diversity, COP 16 in Cali, Columbia

At CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF)'s Chairperson Suni Lama, along with Indigenous leaders from Nepal, collaborated with Nepalese government delegates to present a draft of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). As steering committee members, NIWF and NEFIN played an active role in shaping the draft, emphasizing Indigenous Peoples' perspectives, traditional knowledge, and the protection of Indigenous rights within biodiversity conservation policies. Through the active involvement of NIWF and NEFIN on the NBSAP steering committee, and Indigenous Biodiversity Professional Kamal Samarung who is a technical committee member of NBSAP, the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous women were integrated into the draft.

Their participation underscored the critical role of Indigenous communities in biodiversity stewardship, urging the inclusion of culturally rooted approaches within national conservation strategies. This draft submission aligns with broader Indigenous expectations for strong, inclusive frameworks under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Emphasizing Indigenous Communities’ unique role as stewards of biodiversity, Suni Lama and fellow representatives advocated for frameworks that prioritize Indigenous rights and incorporate community-led solutions within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Discussions underscored Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) call for accessible, sustained funding, land rights security, and a biodiversity strategy acknowledging the unique relationship Indigenous Peoples have with nature. The Leaders highlighted that Indigenous knowledge systems and their traditional resource management practices are critical to global biodiversity goals, advocating for an inclusive approach that allows Indigenous leaders to actively shape conservation policies and priorities.

The most significant achievement of COP16 was the historic approval of the Article 8(j) subsidiary body. The establishment of a Permanent Subsidiary Body for Article 8(j) and a new program of work is a win for the Indigenous Peoples. This will allow the delegates to advise and contribute directly to COPs for the first time and set out specific tasks to ensure the “meaningful contribution” of Indigenous peoples and local communities to the CBD’s objectives.  The agreement mandates that parties to the CBD “respect, preserve and maintain” the knowledge of IP and LCs related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and to “encourage the equitable sharing of benefits” from this knowledge. 

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2024-11-01
Aadivasi Haat Bazaar By National Indigenous Women Forum at Dhobigat Basketball Ground

On October 27, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) successfully organized the “Aadivasi Haat Bazaar” at Dhobighat Basketball Court, a unique marketplace showcasing the products of Indigenous Women. This event aimed to empower Indigenous Women by giving them a dedicated platform to showcase their traditional skills, market their sustainable goods, and build economic independence. In addition to promoting cultural pride, the Bazaar highlighted NIWF's commitment to climate-smart farming and sustainable practices within Indigenous communities, especially through the involvement of the Sankharpur Integrated Pest Management (IPM) group. A special performance by Nepal Tamang Ghedung marked the opening of the Bazaar.

At the Bazaar, visitors were introduced to a variety of fresh vegetables and crops grown through IPM techniques, including leafy greens, seasonal vegetables, and locally known root vegetables, all produced with minimal ecological impact. The Sankharpur IPM group’s produce demonstrated the potential for Indigenous farmers to lead in sustainable agriculture by combining traditional farming wisdom with climate-smart innovations. The group has received training and support from NIWF, focusing on enhancing soil fertility, managing pest control through natural methods, and improving yield resilience to climate fluctuations, such as erratic rainfall and temperature shifts. The results of these practices were on full display at the Bazaar, where attendees could purchase fresh, chemical-free vegetables and learn about the environmentally friendly techniques used to grow them.

Ultimately, the Aadivasi Haat Bazaar highlighted NIWF’s mission to uplift Indigenous women through economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like this, NIWF continues to build pathways for Indigenous women to take pride in their heritage, gain financial autonomy, and share their invaluable contributions to Nepal’s cultural tapestry with the world.

2024-10-27
Relief Distribution by National Indigenous Women Forum in Collaboration with Sankalpa at Temal Rural Municipality

On September 26-27, 2024, Temal Rural Municipality in Kavrepalanchowk District was hit by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The flooding led to significant damage to homes, agricultural lands, and local infrastructure, leaving many families in urgent need of basic supplies, including food and shelter. The affected families, many of whom belong to Indigenous Communities, faced immediate hardships due to the loss of food stocks and damage to livelihoods. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with Sankalpa, swiftly organized a relief distribution program to provide essential supplies to the flood-affected families.

The relief distribution took place on October 7, 2024, in Temal Rural Municipality. The program provided immediate assistance to 34 families who had been directly impacted by the flooding. These families were identified through local consultations and coordination with community leaders, ensuring that the aid reached those most in need. The relief package primarily focused on providing food supplies to the affected families, recognizing the immediate threat of food insecurity following the disaster. The food items distributed included: Rice, Lentils, Cooking oil, Salt, Sugar, Instant noodles, Biscuits and Bitten Rice. These essential food items were selected to provide temporary relief for the families.


2024-10-07