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.