National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, organized an Advanced Climate Smart Farming and Management Training for Thami Women in Kalinchowk Rural Municipality 9, Sundrawati, located in the Dolakha district. The program was facilitated by NIWF team and Goma Thami, president of the Thami Women Farmers Group. Shanti Khadka served as the resource person for the training.
The primary objective of this initiative was to empower 25 Indigenous Women from the Thami Community to actively participate in collective climate justice efforts and to enhance their economic empowerment through the commercial production of vegetables.
Indigenous Women are on the frontlines of climate change's impact on agriculture. Empowering Indigenous Women with knowledge and skills in climate-smart farming is crucial for enhancing their resilience to climate change, improving their livelihoods, and ensuring food security for their Communities. It enables them to adapt to changing environmental conditions, protect and sustainably manage natural resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, economic empowerment through climate-smart farming can lead to increased decision-making power, improved social status, and greater participation in community and policy-making processes, ultimately contributing to gender equality and social justice. 
The agricultural strategy aims to fulfil the demand for vegetables, fruits, and crops by emphasizing the importance of local (Raithane) advanced and hybrid seeds. In alignment with the long-term agricultural development plan, the goal is to achieve economic prosperity by providing farmers with information on advanced seeds, climate-friendly farming practices, modern technological products, pest management, plant growth and development, and weed control.
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.
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 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.
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 September 1, 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), in collaboration with Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG) and with the support of MADRE, organized a 1-day Child Marriage Awareness Workshop at Sankhu Palubari Community School in Shankharapur Municipality, Kathmandu. This workshop aimed to raise awareness among young Indigenous girls about the impacts and risks associated with child marriage while fostering a supportive environment for them to share their thoughts and aspirations.
The workshop kicked off with a storytelling session, where participants listened to the story of a young girl grappling with the challenges of child marriage. After the storytelling session, the girls were divided into small groups for discussions. These groups were asked to engage in a thoughtful analysis of the story’s outcomes and explore how the girl's life might have been different had she been empowered to make her own decisions—particularly the decision to continue her education. The next activity, 'Art and Expression,' encouraged participants to use art supplies to create posters, drawings, or collages representing their aspirations. Each girl then explained her artwork to the group, reflecting on how child marriage could affect their goals and future ambitions. A critical component of the workshop was a presentation delivered by Ms. Manika Magar, member of Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG). Ms. Magar’s presentation delved into the various risks and consequences of child marriage, both at a personal and societal level. She highlighted the negative health impacts associated with early pregnancies, including the increased risks of maternal and infant mortality, and the physical and emotional toll it takes on young girls. She also discussed the legal framework surrounding child marriage in Nepal, emphasizing that, although child marriage is illegal, it still persists in many communities due to entrenched cultural norms and economic pressures.
The workshop concluded with a sense of solidarity and empowerment among the participants. Through the combination of storytelling, discussion, and creative expression, the girls were not only educated about the dangers of child marriage but were also given the space to express their dreams and aspirations for the future.
The success of this workshop was evident in the feedback from the participants, who expressed gratitude for being part of a space where they could freely discuss their thoughts and share their personal goals. They left with a stronger understanding of their rights and the importance of education, armed with the knowledge to challenge the status quo in their communities. Through this impactful initiative, NIWF, FIG, and MADRE demonstrated their commitment to empowering Indigenous girls, fostering resilience, and contributing to the ongoing fight against child marriage in Nepal.
