Regional Network for Indigenous Women and Girls with Disabilities (IWGwDs) in South Asia
The Regional Network for Indigenous Women and Girls with Disabilities (IWGwDs) in South Asia is a growing movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of one of the most marginalized groups across the region. These women and girls face layered barriers at the intersection of Indigeneity, disability, and gender, including systemic exclusion, violence, and emotional and economic marginalization.
To address these challenges, the network unites formal and informal collectives across Asia, including the Asia-Pacific Indigenous Women with Disabilities Network (APIWDN), to build a strong platform for advocacy, empowerment, and inclusive development.
Our Objectives
- Promote leadership and visibility of Indigenous Women and Girls with Disabilities (IWGwDs).
- Drive collective advocacy for inclusive, accessible, and equitable development.
- Facilitate regional and international dialogue around policy change and human rights.
- Foster a space for peer learning, collective reflection, and cross-border solidarity.
Countries Represented in the Regional Network
The Regional Network for Indigenous Women and Girls with Disabilities in South Asia brings together diverse voices and lived experiences from across the region. Each flag below represents a country whose activists, advocates, and organizations are part of this growing movement.
Highlights from the Regional Convenings
- Strengthened Advocacy & Leadership
Participants from eight countries and seven NIDWAN provincial networks shared lived experiences and led conversations on dismantling systemic oppression. - Government & Institutional Support
Support from high-level figures, including Hon. Indira Rana Magar, Deputy Speaker of Nepal, emphasized political will and the push for policy change. - Experience Sharing & Best Practices
A platform for cross-country learning allowed for identifying best practices and contextual strategies for grassroots and national impact. - Strategic Collaboration & Network Building
The network has reinforced regional unity and is establishing coalitions for long-term activism and policy influence. - Concrete Action & Future Roadmap
Each convening concluded with clear action plans, emphasizing accountability, ethical grant management, and movement ownership by Indigenous Women with Disabilities themselves.
Why This Network Matters
This is more than just a regional initiative—it is a movement. It recognizes Indigenous Women and Girls with Disabilities as leaders, not just beneficiaries, and places them at the center of advocacy for climate justice, gender equality, and disability rights.