Stories of Change: Dalit Women Are Reshaping Nepal’s Future

In a country where Dalit women face systemic discrimination and marginalisation, the work done by the Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO) has catalysed transformative changes for the Dalit community – and the whole country. With support from KIOS, FEDO’s long-standing mission to empower Dalit women and girls has led to increased awareness of their rights, greater participation in politics, and economic empowerment. Through years of tireless advocacy, FEDO has successfully paved the way for Dalit women to not only dream of a better life but also take steps toward creating it.

Since its founding 30 years ago, FEDO has been the leading national non-governmental organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of Dalit women in Nepal. The organisation’s core mission has always been to secure the basic human rights of Dalit women, who face extreme social exclusion, discrimination, and gender-based violence. In the 2015 Constitution of Nepal, laws were introduced to prevent gender-based violence, domestic violence, and racial discrimination. While these laws were intended to protect marginalised groups like the Dalits, societal and community changes have been slow, and these issues continue to affect them significantly.

A major barrier preventing Dalit women from participating in political spaces and decision-making processes is the lack of economic resources. To address this, FEDO has worked to break down these barriers through capacity-building and economic empowerment programmes. With support from KIOS, FEDO’s project “Strengthening Human Rights of Dalit Women in Nepal” seeks to enhance Dalit women’s participation in governance, improve their economic autonomy, and raise awareness of their rights within the wider community. The outcomes have been nothing short of inspiring, particularly in empowering Dalit women to engage in policy-making, challenge caste-based discrimination, and take control of their economic futures.

 

Increased Political Representation and Human Rights Awareness – “FEDO has taught us to fight for our own sake”

One of the most significant outcomes of FEDO’s work is the heightened political representation of Dalit women across Nepal. Thanks to sustained advocacy efforts, more Dalit women have been elected to local government positions, allowing them to influence policies that reflect their communities’ needs. The government’s introduction of a mandatory quota for Dalit women in local politics has played a pivotal role in increasing their representation, but it is FEDO’s capacity-building initiatives that have truly empowered these women to take on leadership roles with confidence. These training programmes have built the political capacities of Dalit women, allowing them to perform more effectively in decision-making roles by enhancing their knowledge of legal frameworks, governance structures, and advocacy strategies.

Feedback from beneficiaries speaks to the life-changing impact of these programmes. A Dalit woman from Prasauni Rural Municipality, shared, “FEDO has taught us to fight for our own sake. We no longer just sign meeting minutes; we understand what’s written in them and make informed decisions.” This shift signifies not just a technical understanding of governance but also a transformation in self-empowerment. Another Dalit woman, a student and the president of the Youth Dalit Women Group in Udayapur, shared how her understanding of legal provisions and human rights has helped her not only advocate for her rights but also challenge injustices, saying “I now know about legal provisions and my rights. Earlier, I used to be afraid to speak. Now, I can challenge injustice when I see it.”

This increased political participation, and awareness is crucial for the Dalit community, as it helps ensure that their voices are heard, and their human rights are prioritised in the policymaking process.

 

 

Economic Empowerment – “I learned how to run a small business”

Through FEDO’s support, Dalit women have gained access to training and resources that empower them to start entrepreneurial ventures, improving their financial independence and livelihoods. Recognising that economic empowerment is crucial for political participation, initiatives like vocational training and microfinance have provided these women with the tools to support their families and engage in local decision-making.

The impact of these programmes is life-changing, allowing women to navigate their lives with greater autonomy and confidence. As one member of a Dalit Women Enterprise Group in Bara District shared: “I learned how to run a small business. Now I have a general store, and I’m financially independent.”

In another municipality, a Dalit woman described how leadership training and an understanding of local government budgets empowered her to secure funding for Dalit communities: “We did not know previously that there was a separate budget allocation for Dalits from the ward. FEDO showed us the way, and now we can take our demands to the local government. I also learned about leadership development and how to push for our rights.”

These stories highlight the success of FEDO’s economic empowerment initiatives, which equip Dalit women with the skills to balance domestic responsibilities while improving their economic well-being. By increasing their financial independence, they are not only securing better futures but also challenging the systemic barriers that have traditionally marginalised them.

Strengthened Political Influence – “The ward chairperson now makes it a point to consult us”

FEDO has made significant strides in ensuring that Dalit women are not only present in decision-making roles but also have the skills and confidence to exert influence in these spaces. Training programmes have helped Dalit women understand their rights, the functioning of local governments, and how to navigate the political landscape. A Dalit woman, who is also a ward member in one of Bara Districts municipalities, explained, “The ward chairperson now makes it a point to consult us. Before, they used to just make us sign the meeting minutes without any consultation.”

This shift is indicative of the growing political agency of Dalit women, empowered by FEDO’s training programmes, which are not just about representation but also about strengthening the ability of women to influence policies and advocate for their communities. Through their involvement, Dalit women have been able to ensure that their unique needs are considered, from addressing caste-based discrimination to advocating for greater gender equity in local governance. The ongoing work of these women is building a more inclusive political culture that takes into account the voices of marginalised groups.
KIOS monitoring trip 2024. FEDO staff and Dalit women community leaders.

 

Increased Access to Justice

Another key outcome of FEDO’s work has been the increased access to justice for Dalit women, particularly at the local level. For Dalit women, accessing justice has traditionally been fraught with challenges due to caste-based discrimination, lack of awareness of legal frameworks, and limited resources. However, with the support of FEDO, these women now have a greater understanding of their legal rights and of the channels available to them for seeking justice.

As one of the Municipality Deputy Mayors in the Udayapur District stated, “More Dalit women are now aware that they can take their cases to the municipal judicial committee. FEDO has been instrumental in making this possible.”

This reflects the impact of FEDO’s efforts to raise awareness of legal channels and help Dalit women access justice. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Dalit women can hold perpetrators of violence and discrimination accountable, and that they have access to the support and resources they need to secure justice. As more women come forward with their cases, they are slowly dismantling the culture of impunity that has historically shielded perpetrators, especially in marginalised communities.

Through these efforts, FEDO is not only promoting access to legal support but also fostering a broader culture of justice, one where Dalit women can expect equal treatment under the law and find the necessary avenues to defend their rights.

In the Spotlight: Couple Training Programme

One of the most impactful activities conducted by FEDO during the project, is the Couple Training programme. The Couple Training programme has played a crucial role in fostering positive change by addressing the root causes of power imbalances and harmful gender roles that often underpin domestic and gender-based violence. In the programme couples are encouraged to explore and dismantle traditional gender roles that contribute to inequality, promoting a shift toward more equitable and respectful partnerships. Through the sessions, participants develop stronger communication and conflict resolution skills, enabling them to address disagreements peacefully. Additionally, the training emphasises the importance of empathy and mutual respect, encouraging couples to value each other’s perspectives and foster deeper understanding.

The benefits of this initiative are far-reaching. The couples that participated in the programme, not only experience individual transformations but also serve as role models within their communities, inspiring others to adopt more equitable and healthier relationship patterns and practises. Moreover, the programme raised awareness of the intersectionality between caste and gender-based violence, equipping participants with the tools to fight for equality and justice in their homes and communities. In doing so, the Couple Training programme has fostered a safer, more just environment, especially for marginalised groups such as Dalit communities.

Continuing the Work: A Commitment to Long-Term Change

While the progress made by FEDO and its beneficiaries is commendable, there is still much work to be done. As the evaluation report from 2024 suggests, continued advocacy, empowerment, and capacity-building are crucial for sustaining the gains made thus far. The goal is to make these changes in a sustainable way, so that Dalit women and girls are not only aware of their rights but are also equipped to exercise them fully in their communities and beyond, even after the project and project activities have ceased.

For more information about FEDO’s ongoing work, please visit their website: Fedo Nepal

KIOS has supported FEDO’s work since 2020 with funding from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation.