Climate leadership and action for Indigenous women in Nepal

The Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal (CLAIWN) project seeks to enhance climate rights of Indigenous women and girls in 2 of 3 districts (Sindupalchok Kavre and Ramechhap) of the middle hills region of Nepal. Project activities include: (1) training Indigenous women and girls as climate action leaders; (2) preparing gender-integrated and Indigenous women-led Community Adaptation Plans of Action (CAPAs); (3) creating a mentorship and support program for Indigenous women and girls climate leaders between Canada and Nepal; (4) establishing an innovation fund to support local climate action initiatives; (5) training of government officials on gendered effects of climate change and barriers to climate action for Indigenous women and girls; (6) creating policy recommendations for gender-responsive and inclusive climate action; and (7) implementing advocacy activities to promote CAPAs and gain local government approval and support. Working closely with Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER Canada) and local partners Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Resource Management Institution (HIMAWANTI) Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) and the National Federation of Indigenous Women (NFIW) the project benefits 4 000 Indigenous community members particularly the Tamang People. The project addresses the ecological livelihood and wellbeing threats that climate change poses to the rights of Indigenous communities in Nepal. This project aligns with the Government of Nepal policies on climate change notably its National Action Programme of Adaptation (NAPA).

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased agency of Indigenous women and girls in Nepal to advance gender-responsive and inclusive climate action; and (2) enhanced responsiveness of government policies and programs to the climate-related needs and rights of Indigenous women and girls.