FIG was born to fill an absence of spaces to discuss and advocate for the lived experiences and realizations of navigating discrimination, exclusion, loss of language and deep knowledge, resilience and determination for community well-being. We are committed to creating a space where the unique experience of Indigenous girls are seen, heard and valued as leaders and changemakers.
The foundation of FIG dates back to 2019 when National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) initiated a loose network by the name of the Forum for Indigenous Girls, created for inter-generational transference, leadership development and awareness among Indigenous girls. In 2023, with self-determination this network was developed as an organized collective of young Indigenous women in Nepal forming FIG as it exists today.
What We Do
In the present, FIG stands as a growing group registered as a non-profit organization which creates safe spaces for the exploration of identity, history and knowledge of Indigenous girls as well as amplifying the voices of girls equipping them with the skills to advocate for our rights Through the approach of capacity building, social media, media engagement, artivism and community building, FIG amplifies the voices of Indigenous girls and strengthens leadership grounded in care, collectivity and justice equipping young women with the skills to advocate for their rights and make them community leaders.
FIG bridges the connection between lived realities and collective actions by nurturing confidence, solidarity and belonging towards a long term structural change.
Our Vision
We envision a world where Indigenous young women and girls stand as leaders, knowledge holders and agents of change.
Empowering Indigenous Voices
At FIG, empowerment is more than representation – it is about giving space to Indigenous girls to speak, lead, question and influence decisions that impact their lives. We cultivate political consciousness, empowerment and organizing skills so that young Indigenous women and girls can advocate for their community’s land rights, climate justice and meaningful representation at grassroots, national and international levels.
We know that Indigenous girls are not leaders of tomorrow – they are leaders today.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
For us, cultural preservation is living resistance. We revive Indigenous languages, stories, knowledge systems and traditional practices that have been suppressed by colonial and state systems.
We develop intergenerational spaces where the wisdom of our elders meets the leadership of youth, ensuring that our cultures remain grounded, relevant and dynamic. Our land is not separable from our identity.
Building Stronger Sisterhoods
FIG is grounded in collective care and solidarity. We cultivate sisterhood across Indigenous groups creating safe spaces for to discuss on shared experiences, dialogues and collective work. Our strength lies in collective organizing.
Building Paths to Equality
We challenge the systematic exclusion and tokenistic inclusion of Indigenous girls from political, educational, land and development rights. We use lived experiences, media, advocacy, research and strategic engagement, including engagement in national and UN forums to advocate for accountability, FPIC, CEDAW GR 39, ILO 169 and inclusion in governance.
Equality to us is justice, reparations and transformation, not token representation.
Its Time to Reclaim Our Power.
We aim to reach as much as Indigenous girls across Nepal and strengthen Indigenous sisters collective.
Our Board Members
Get to know the young indigenous girls fanning the flame of FIG. If you would like to chat with someone furhter or collaborate, do not hesitate to reach out to them!
Sabnam Lama
Akina Singh Suwal
Bandana Pahari
Wangmo Lama
