The mission of our organization Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) is realizing justice, freedom, human rights, self-determination and enjoying better life with distinct Indigenous identity by migrant Indigenous women of Nepal living in America.
FIWNA has been prioritizing securing the rights of migrant Indigenous Women of Nepali origin. They deserve a better life, enjoyment of human rights and justice through timely help, support and advice from the Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA). There is a felt need among the migrant Indigenous Women of Nepali origin fostering community support through culturally inclusive platforms sharing experiences and mutual learning, and enhancing education and awareness, including legal literacy and English language skills, to get equipped with tools for collective advocacy.
Additionally, the migrant Indigenous Women need emotional and social support to address challenges of migration and discrimination facing them, help to preserve Nepali Indigenous identity and promote cross-cultural understanding and sensitivity, and develop leadership skills among migrant indigenous women of Nepal in America to enable them to advocate for their rights and those of their communities.
Migration of Nepali, including Indigenous Peoples, started in 1953 was 1, 296 in 1993 and by now it is more than 200,000. By now the number of immigrants, Green Card holders and naturalizing US Citizens have risen as Nepalese students pursued undergraduate and graduate education in American schools, opportunity received through EDV lottery, asylum seekers due to 10 years of insurgency from 1996 to 2006, work and family visa sponsorship. A recent study Nepali Migrant Dreams in the American Landscape An Exploration of the Nepali Disapora in the United States published in December 2024 by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) revealed the following: The 2020 US Census shows that there are 208,000 Nepalese, with 60.13% male, 39.4% female and 0.47 Others, in the US. Their life is characterized by shield coexistence, assimilation, and hardship. 7.2% Nepali diaspora live in the New York state, which is the third after Dallas-Forth Worth Metro area with 1.24% and Richmond Virginia 10.8%. In the US, 57.5% have student visa, 26.5% are Green Crad holders, 4.5% are US citizens, and 12% are dependents and speciality professionals. Of them about 24% Indigenous Peoples, 66% are from the dominant caste groups, 10% Madhesi, 1.% Dalits (“traditional Untouchables”), and 0.7% Muslims. Nepali diaspora community are densely populated in the Queens of New York State.
As all the FIWNA Board members had to struggle to adjust and adapt in New York and other states in the US. There are many NGOs in New York that provide help and support to the migrants but none to cater the needs of migrant Indigenous Women from Nepal. Based on the personal experiences and recognizing the need to unify migrant Indigenous Women from Nepal under a single platform, the Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) was founded in 2010 in New York. It is a New York based non-profit organization registered in 2012 in the New York State under Section 501(c)(3). It is dedicated to advocating for the rights, identity, and values of Indigenous Nepali women in the United States, while also preserving their distinct cultural heritage on a global scale.
FIWNA is currently focusing on the community of migrant women of Nepali origin in the Queens in New York. It is in the process of expanding its membership and activities by organizing in Indigenous tradition of Talking Circles so that community members could collectively participate, represent, build leadership, make decisions and difference in life.
FIWNA operates with a deep understanding of the global challenges faced by Indigenous communities, particularly women, and emphasizes the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights as enshrined in international conventions. The organization's mission aligns with the aspirations of the growing Nepali diaspora in the U.S., which, according to the 2020 Census, has expanded to approximately 206,000 individuals-making it one of the fastest-growing Asian communities in the country. Through advocacy, FIWNA works to ensure equitable treatment of all migrant indigenous women, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, or origin. It also provides emotional support to those dealing with the challenges of migration, family separation, and cultural adaptation. Guided by the ILO Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, FIWNA is committed to empowering migrant indigenous women, promoting inclusivity, and preserving their unique cultural heritage.
Fostering cultural preservation of indigenous people of Nepal in America, FIWNA address injustices, discrimination and exploitation through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives, FIWNA seeks to eliminate discrimination based on gender, race and color and promote equality, and ensure access to opportunities for all.
Creating a common platform for dialogue, support, and action that inspire positive change, both locally and globally is felt needs of many migrant Indigenous Women of Nepali origin.
FIWNA is guided by the principles of equity, environmental stewardship, and development justice, we strive to uplift marginalized voices, indigenous issues, and advance sustainable solutions, and contribute to a more inclusive and dignified future for all migrant Indigenous women and their communities.
Though many of the Board Members had experience of founding, organizing and working in Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, including Indigenous Women’s organization in Nepal, but FIWNA is still in its infancy. Initial struggles by the founding members dealing with culture shock, understanding US society and culture, finding jobs, housing, and medical care/health insurance, and raising children limited our work through FIWNA. Now many of us are well adjusted to multiple shifts and committed to give enough time for the social cause for common good of migrant Indigenous Women from Nepal. We have a good pool of human resources but face a lack of financial resources.
We work with the community of migrant Indigenous Women of Nepali origin in America. This community isa diverse community as Nepal has formally recognized 59 Indigenous Peoples. Migrant Indigenous Women living in the US in general, and New York in particlaur, come from various nations with large population size such as Magar, Tamu (Gurung), Tamang, Newar, Khambu (Rai), Yakthung (Limbu) and Tharu, and moderate to low population such as Sherpa, Sunuwar, Jirel, Bhujel, Hyolmo, Bahragunle, and Thakali, Indigenous community members tend to get together, help each other, and celebrate festivals and perform certain life cycle rituals together. FIWNA has so far been able to work with the migrants coming together for an interaction or talk program or festivals for information sharing, training and speeches from the guests, experts and movement leaders. Now time has come to organizing them at the community level through Talking Circles and story telling helping them to get organized first, and then educate for adaptation, learning, and claiming various services available.
