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