Aadivasi Haat Bazaar By National Indigenous Women Forum at Dhobigat Basketball Ground
2024-10-27

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.