Projects

The list of projects.

U.S Embassy

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with support from the U.S. Embassy, is implementing a project titled "Archiving Indigenous Peoples’ Knowledge and Technology in Land and Water Conservation." This initiative focuses on preserving and promoting the invaluable ecological wisdom of Indigenous communities in Nepal. The project is structured into two key components: Traditional Land Management and Water Conservation Techniques, and Integrating Tradition with Modern Conservation Practices.One of the primary objectives of the project is to produce a documentary that captures the stories and practices of the Majhi community in Ramechhap and the Bote community in Nawalpur, both located in Bagmati Province. Through this documentary, NIWF aims to highlight Indigenous knowledge systems in land and water conservation, emphasizing their relevance in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.In addition to documentation, the project seeks to raise awareness and expand the outreach of Indigenous conservation methods. By leveraging multimedia platforms, NIWF will disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience while engaging youth in intergenerational knowledge transfer. This approach not only increases awareness but also ensures that younger generations recognize the value of Indigenous practices and continue their legacy.Another vital aspect of the project is the preservation of Indigenous ecological knowledge for future generations. By archiving these practices, NIWF aims to safeguard this cultural and environmental heritage, ensuring its availability as a resource for both communities and policymakers. Finally, the project aspires to integrate Indigenous conservation practices into broader environmental management frameworks. By bridging traditional and modern conservation techniques, the initiative will highlight the importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to environmental sustainability.<div style="text-align: justify; "> </div>

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CFLI

Empowering Women and Young Girls from Endangered, Marginalized, Highly Marginalized, and Disadvantaged Indigenous Communities in Nepal through Leadership Development and Network StrengtheningThe project titled "Empowering Women and Young Girls from Endangered, Marginalized, Highly Marginalized, and Disadvantaged Indigenous Communities in Nepal through Leadership Development and Network Strengthening" made significant strides in enhancing leadership and advocacy skills among Indigenous women and girls across Nepal. A total of 161 individuals, including 114 women and 47 girls from eight distinct Indigenous communities, directly benefited from leadership and advocacy training conducted across eight districts. This initiative aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to advocate for their rights and lead their communities more effectively.In addition, 42 members of Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG), including 31 women and 11 girls, participated in a National Level Exchange program. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for FIG members from different communities to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build stronger networks. Notably, the event included the representation of an Indigenous woman with a disability, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program and its focus on diverse voices within Indigenous communities.To amplify the stories of Indigenous women leaders, a documentary titled “Struggle for Recognition” (Pahichanko Shangrasha) was produced in Nepali, with English subtitles. The film captures the inspiring narratives of struggle and success of Indigenous women leaders who are contributing across various fields. Complementing the documentary, a publication featuring the stories of 14 Indigenous women leaders was also produced. These stories, which span the journey from the community to the national level, provide valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned by these trailblazing women. A total of 500 copies of this publication were printed in both Nepali and English to reach a wider audience.The project also engaged key stakeholders at the national and local levels. A total of 28 individuals, including representatives from government authorities, national commissions, foundations, parliamentarians, Indigenous Peoples Organizations, and political leaders, were not only made aware of the issues facing endangered and marginalized Indigenous communities but also committed to supporting these communities in addressing their challenges. This multi-stakeholder involvement demonstrates the project's success in building awareness and fostering long-term commitment to Indigenous women's empowerment. Strengthening the Democratic Participation of Indigenous People, Including Indigenous Women, as Election Observers to Ensure Fair Participation of Indigenous Communities During the Upcoming Federal and Provincial Elections in Nepal <div>The project titled "Strengthening the Democratic Participation of Indigenous People, Including Indigenous Women, as Election Observers to Ensure Fair Participation of Indigenous Communities During the Upcoming Federal and Provincial Elections in Nepal" was a landmark initiative aimed at promoting inclusive electoral processes. Through this project, 163 individuals were recruited and deployed as election observers, with 158 serving as observers and 5 as monitoring observers. The recruitment process was notably diverse, with 83.44% of the observers coming from Indigenous communities, while the remaining 16.56% represented other marginalized groups, including Dalit, Khas-Arya, Muslim, and Madheshi communities. A significant achievement of the project was the high representation of women, who made up 71.17% of the total observers, with 64.42% of them being Indigenous women. This marked the first time Indigenous women were given the opportunity to participate directly in election observation, a crucial step toward ensuring their voices are included in the democratic process. </div>

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FIMI

Strengthening Indigenous Women's Voices: Bridging Policies and Communities for Climate Resilience The project titled "Strengthening Indigenous Women's Voices: Bridging Policies and Communities for Climate Resilience" aims to address the critical need for Indigenous women's involvement in climate resilience policymaking. This 12-month initiative, spearheaded by the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) in collaboration with FIMI, will be implemented in Kathmandu, Nepal. The project envisions a transformative impact by bridging the gap between Indigenous women at decision-making levels and the communities they represent, with a special focus on creating more inclusive, responsive policies for climate resilience.At the heart of this project is the recognition that systemic and structural discrimination continues to hinder the participation of Indigenous women in policy processes, especially at national and international platforms. By targeting Indigenous women who have access to decision-making spaces, including parliamentarians, the project seeks to dismantle barriers that exclude their voices. This initiative will align with international frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the COP15 Knowledge Management Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). By connecting these global frameworks with local advocacy efforts, the project will ensure that Indigenous perspectives are included in the wider discussions on climate action and biodiversity conservation.A key component of this project is the capacity-building of parliamentarians and policymakers at local and provincial levels, many of whom lack a nuanced understanding of Indigenous perspectives on climate and environmental issues. Through a series of capacity development initiatives, the project will equip these policymakers with knowledge and tools to better understand Indigenous traditions, values, and concerns. This will ensure that decision-making processes are more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. Additionally, the project will promote dialogue and increase awareness within Indigenous communities, particularly among women, about pressing climate issues and the policies that impact their lives.<div>Empowering Indigenous women leaders is a cornerstone of this initiative. By providing training and opportunities to engage directly with policymaking processes, the project aims to elevate their voices and ensure their full participation in decision-making. Indigenous women, often marginalized, will have the chance to advocate for their communities in national and international forums focused on climate action, adaptation, and mitigation. Their active involvement will help shape more inclusive climate policies that respect Indigenous knowledge systems and promote biodiversity conservation.</div><div> </div><div>One of the project’s long-term objectives is to foster policy changes that involve more Indigenous people in decision-making, particularly Indigenous women. The initiative will begin by working closely with Indigenous communities, respecting their traditional knowledge and ensuring their perspectives are central to policy discussions. By advocating for inclusive, Indigenous-friendly policies, the project will address current gaps in representation and participation. This advocacy will not only aim to increase the number of Indigenous women in decision-making positions but will also enhance the quality of policies by incorporating their unique insights into climate resilience. </div>

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SALASAN

Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal (CLAN)The Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal (CLAN) project is a transformative three-year initiative designed to empower Indigenous Women and Girls by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities to drive meaningful climate action in their communities. Through this project, 50 Indigenous Women and Girls will be trained and mentored as climate leaders, providing them with the tools to advocate for climate justice and resilience. The project will be implemented in Bhumlu and Chaurideurali Rural Municipalities in Kavrepalanchowk District, as well as Balephi and Indrawati Rural Municipalities in Sindupalchowk District.A key aspect of the CLAN project is its focus on community-based approaches. In collaboration with SALASAN, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), and the Indigenous Women Uplift Centre (IWUC), the initiative aims to foster grassroots leadership by working directly with Indigenous women and girls. This effort not only builds individual capacity but also promotes collective action within Indigenous communities. Over the course of the project, CLAN will develop four comprehensive Community Climate Action Plans, which will serve as blueprints for addressing local climate challenges. These plans are developed through participatory processes that include Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) to ensure that the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities are fully integrated. Each plan will be tailored to reflect the unique environmental and cultural contexts of the respective communities, ensuring solutions that are relevant, sustainable, and rooted in traditional Indigenous knowledge.The CLAN initiative is deeply committed to gender equality and seeks to elevate the voices of Indigenous women and girls in the climate dialogue. By empowering them to raise awareness, advocate for climate justice, and engage their communities in meaningful ways, the project aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. Through mentorship and peer learning, Indigenous women and girls will not only develop leadership skills but will also inspire others within their communities to take action. By the end of the three-year project, CLAN will have directly benefited over 8,000 Indigenous and marginalized community members, with more than 5,500 Indigenous Women and Girls being empowered to play a central role in climate action. The project’s Indigenous-to-Indigenous approach, supported by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) in Canada, ensures that Indigenous knowledge systems are respected and utilized in developing solutions that are both culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable. Through collective efforts, collaboration, and the leadership of Indigenous women and girls, the CLAN project is poised to create lasting impacts, ensuring that climate action is both inclusive and transformative at the community level.

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UNDP

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) with the support of United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) undertook a project to “Empowering Chepang Indigenous Women and Girls to end VAW/G and Strengthen their Resiliency”. The implementation period of the project was from 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023. The project aimed at addressing VAW amongst the Chepang Community. This one year project addressed violence against Women in the form of awareness, training, workshops, making action plans to prevent VAW and actions to take if cases of violence take place in the Community. It also undertook a qualitative and quantitative survey on violence, reviewed the municipality’s policies and programmes on this and will put an infographic billboard in the Community.The objectives of the project were:<ul><li>Raise awareness of the Chepang Indigenous community on GBV in connection with international mechanisms like CEDAW and UNDRIP.</li><li>Undertake a study on violence against Chepang Women in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality.</li><li>Identify and deliver campaigns to end all forms of violence against Indigenous Women, in particular Chepang Women in the municipality in collaboration with government and other line agencies.</li><li>To help Girls and Women prevent violence against them. </li></ul> At the end of the project two publications were also published by NIWF to document the findings of the project: “A Review of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality's Policies and Programmes for FY 2023/2024 (2079/2080) from Gender Equality and Social Inclusion and Indigenous Perspectives'' and “A Report on the Situation of Gender-based Violence against the Chepang Women of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality in Chitwan”.

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IUCN

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has been working with Indigenous Women to protect and promote their rights over resources, traditional knowledge and skills, and culture and traditions. NIWF has been working with Indigenous Women from various Indigenous Communities to conduct livelihood upliftment activities. With the growing demand, NIWF facilitated the process of upgrading the successful livelihood cases to entrepreneurship and collective enterprise, especially among resource-poor Indigenous Communities with the support of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2023. NIWF has been undertaking different interventions to promote natural resource-based enterprises for forest-dwelling communities. The activities aim to scale up the current ongoing practices identified as good practices. Through IUCN, NIWF worked with the Bankariya (Manhari, Makwanpur), Chepang (Manahari, Makwanpur), Tharu (Kapilvastu), Danuwar (Panchkahl, Kavre) Community.With IUCN's support NIWF Conducted trainings on:<ul><li>Financial literacy for Women representatives from producer groups of the Bankariya, Chepang, Tharu, and Danuwar Communities </li><li>Developed business plans and product diversification plan for Women-led enterprises in Tharu (Bamboo based products), Bankariya (NTFP-collectors, Soap), Danuwar (Vegetable-based pickle) and Chepang (Soap).</li><li>NIWF also conducted workshops on leadership-building skills along with VGGT (Voluntary Guidelines on Tenure).</li></ul> Through this one year project NIWF focused on socioeconomic and institutional capacity building of the Indigenous Women group and their production and processing enterprises, securing tenure, building their financial and business capabilities to make the producer group and their communities resilient. NIWF enhanced the awareness and capacity of the Women’s producer group of the Indigenous Community and their local government and relevant stakeholders on the importance of promoting Indigenous Peoples’ skills and knowledge. The project concluded successfully in January 2024, profoundly transforming the lives of the Indigenous Women groups.

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Mama Cash

Mama Cash, as the first international Women's fund founded in the Netherlands in 1983, has been instrumental in bolstering the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) through targeted organizational strengthening efforts. By providing essential support in capacity building and operational management, Mama Cash has empowered NIWF to navigate challenges and effectively fulfill its mission. This partnership has enabled NIWF to overcome funding limitations, facilitating the implementation of crucial activities that would have otherwise been hindered. Through Mama Cash's support, NIWF has been able to focus on advocating for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls of Nepal, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed within their Communities and beyond. Mama Cash has been equipping NIWF with the necessary skills, resources, and infrastructure to effectively advocate for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls and to operate sustainably over the long term.

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WFA

Since 2023, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has partnered with Women's Fund Asia (WFA) on the project “Strengthening Indigenous Women's Movement with Elected Indigenous Women Representatives from Sudurpaschim and Madhesh Provinces.”  The objective of this project is to build and enhance awareness and knowledge of Elected Indigenous Women leaders at Federal, Provincial Assembly and Municipal levels on international mechanisms and processes such as CEDAW, UNFCCC, CBD COP and Decade of  Indigenous language. A key outcome has been the development of a National Position Paper advocating for the rights of Indigenous Women. This initiative has fostered unity among Indigenous Women MPs, transcending their diverse political affiliations, to collaboratively address Indigenous Peoples' issues. The project further provides a vital platform for dialogue on the challenges faced by Indigenous Women and Peoples, leveraging constitutional provisions and international frameworks to advance their rights and interests.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. 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.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.  <div> </div>

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APWLD

National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) is one of the partner organizations in the Migration (MUAH) program of the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law, and Development (APWLD) for the year 2022-2024. With the help of this program, NIWF worked with the Indigenous Returnee Migrant Women (IRMW) of Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality, Bagmati Province. This was a Feminist Participatory Action Research that worked directly with the IRMW to work on the issue that is most important to them. This project helped to combat structural injustices and give grassroots IRMW the tools they need to improve their ability to gather evidence, increase their bargaining power, plan campaigns and advocacy efforts, and form movements to demand structural changes. This project worked directly with the IRMW to bring their narrative to the forefront and work alongside them to lobby for a structural change. It also gave them a platform to enhance their leadership skills while working together to challenge the negative stereotypes against Indigenous Women and Migrant Women. In 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) together with Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and the Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) conducted Women Human Rights Impact Assessment (WHRIA) Pilot Test: Addressing Gendered Impacts of Development Projects. The impact assessment was conducted in the Majhi Communities in Manthali to determine the status of the hydropower dam project and assess the human rights situation of the Indigenous Women, particularly in exercising their right for participation, access to information and self-determination. The groups also looked at the potential impacts of the development project that threatens the very existence of the Mahji people and endangers their culture and lives. WHRIA aims to serve as a tool for Grassroots Women’s organisations in their advocacy against development projects that can harm their lives and livelihoods. Through Community visits, dialogues, and media actions, the pilot test aimed to gather vital information, document community narratives, identify human rights violations, and chart pathways for advocacy and action.

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MADRE

Since 2015, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) has collaborated with MADRE on various initiatives, including The Santoshi Project, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training, Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF) and Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG). The Santoshi Project: Through The Santoshi Project, NIWF has been instrumental in providing literacy classes, stationery, and other educational materials to children from the endangered Bankariya Community in Nepal. These efforts aim to ensure that these children can lead brighter, safer, and more empowered futures. Additionally, NIWF has conducted soap-making training for the Bankariya and Chepang Women's Group, teaching them to produce soap from mugwort and aloe vera. This initiative culminated in the successful registration of their company, "Bankariya tatha Chepang Mahila Sabun Udyog," in 2023. In 2024, NIWF established a library for Bankariya children in Makwanpur. This library, equipped with over 300 books, cupboards, tables, cushions, and a TV donated by NIWF’s Vice-Chairperson Ms. Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, serves as a valuable resource to foster a love for reading and learning among the children. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training:  NIWF has conducted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training for 10 Women's groups across nine districts in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Dolakha, Kailali, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Dhading, Baglung, and Kaski. The primary goal of this initiative is to empower Indigenous Women through sustainable agricultural practices. Through the IPM training, these Women have learned to cultivate pesticide-free and off-season vegetables, significantly boosting their economic empowerment by enabling them to sell their produce. As a result of this training, the Women's groups have successfully registered and now have access to municipal budgets, marking a significant achievement in their journey towards self-sufficiency and economic independence. Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund (IGOF):  IGOF is an initiative taken by National Indigenous Women Forum(NIWF) in 2023 with the aim of ensuring equal access to education for Indigenous Girls. IGOF is dedicated to providing educational assistance and other necessary assistance to the scholarship recipient girls to support them academically. This fund provides educational aid to the selected student candidates from marginalised and endangered Indigenous Communities from economically disadvantaged backgrounds giving special emphasis in their empowerment through education. In its inaugural year, NIWF selected two candidates from Sankharapur following a thorough selection process that included interviews, home visits, and questionnaires conducted by the NIWF team. Continuing its mission in 2024, NIWF selected two more candidates from Kalinchowk Rural Municipality, Ward No. 9, through a similarly rigorous selection process. Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG): Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG) is a sister organization of the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF). FIG aims to create awareness among Indigenous Girls and Youth on critical issues such as climate change, sex, gender, sexuality, and gender-based violence. By addressing these topics, FIG seeks to empower young Indigenous individuals. Through its programs, FIG provides leadership and advocacy training, equipping Indigenous Girls and Youth with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders and advocates within their Communities and beyond. Relief Distribution Program to Earthquake victims of Rukum West: With the support from MADRE, NIWF also distributed relief to the earthquake victims in Aathbiskot Municipality Ward No. 11 of Rukum West, Nepal in 2023. The relief was distributed to 100 Magar Indigenous families. NIWF team provided them with the provision of essential items such as blankets to shield against the harsh cold, as well as supplies of rice, lentils, and cooking oil. These provisions aimed not only to alleviate immediate suffering but also to offer some semblance of comfort and stability during this challenging period of recovery. In the face of adversity, the collaborative efforts of NIWF and the support extended by MADRE stands as a testament to compassion and solidarity, providing critical aid to the earthquake-affected Communities of the Aathbiskot Municipality, Ward No. 11 in Rukum West, Nepal.

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