February 5, 2025 – Geneva: At the 90th session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) actively advocated for the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls in Nepal. In collaboration with five other Indigenous Women-led organizations, NIWF has submitted a shadow report highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous women. The report outlines key concerns, including discriminatory provisions in Nepal’s constitution, policies, and laws; the severe underrepresentation of Indigenous women in state decision-making processes; the neglect of their rights to land, territories, and productive resources; and the disproportionate impact of climate change on their livelihoods and traditional practices. Additionally, the report calls for urgent policy and legal reforms to safeguard Indigenous Women and Girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

At the session, NIWF Chairperson, Ms. Suni Lama, engaged with global stakeholders, amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and advocating for urgent legal and policy reforms. She emphasized the intersectional challenges faced by Indigenous women, particularly concerning gender, disability, and feminist perspectives. By leveraging this international platform, NIWF is reinforcing its call for structural changes to uphold the rights of Indigenous women, ensuring their self-determination, access to resources, and full participation in decision-making. This initiative marks a crucial step toward achieving long-overdue justice and recognition for Indigenous Women in Nepal.