National Indigenous Women's Federation (NIWF) is a Kathmandu based umbrella organization of Adivasi Janajati (Indigenous Nationalities) specific women's organizations. The multiple roles that Nepalese Indigenous women play contribute to maintain preserve and promote the distinct identity of Indigenous peoples.
Their language and cultural skills, traditional knowledge in management of community and resources are distinct. Importantly, they are the knowledge holder to nurture mother earth, environment and natural resources, and play a vital role in sustainable management of mother earth and environment, thus they also contribute to all human society nationally and globally. Traditionally and culturally indigenous women are decision makers in family and society and often play role for peace building and reconciliation. However, their roles and contribution are not recognized by the state. Laws, policies and practices highly marginalize, exclude, deprive, and discriminate indigenous women. Despite of this fact, indigenous women retain some or all knowledge, skill, culture, decision making role and traditional institution as well. So women leaders from different indigenous organizations established NIWF as a federation in 1999 and registered NIWF in 2000 with the aim of ensuring right to participate in all state structures with their distinct identity. Presently, 43 Indigenous Women's Organisations, 61 District Coordination Council (DCC), 7 Provience are affiliated under this umbrella organization.
