National Indigenous Women's Federation (NIWF) (Nepal)

National Indigenous Women's Federation (NIWF) is a Kathmandu based umbrella organisation of Adivasi Janajati (Indigenous Nationalities) specifically women's organisations. 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, and traditional knowledge in management of community and resources are distinct. Importantly, they are the knowledge holders to nurture mother earth, the 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 roles in peace building and reconciliation.

However, their roles and contribution are not recognised by the state. Laws, policies and practices highly marginalise, exclude, deprive, and discriminate against indigenous women. Despite this fact, indigenous women retain some or all of their knowledge, skills, culture, decision making roles and traditional institutions as well. So women leaders from different indigenous organisations established NIWF as a federation in 1999 and registered NIWF in 2000, with the aim of ensuring the right to participate in all state structures with their distinct identity. Presently, 31 Indigenous Women's Organisations are affiliated under this umbrella organisation.