FIG Nepal-Focus for Indigenous Girls

29/05/2026

17/05/2026

Date: 17/05/2026
Press Release

We strongly condemn the unacceptable conduct by Muktan Bilam, a current member of the Federal Central Committee of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association and a member of its Selection Committee against a Gen Z Activist and our Founding President Sabnam Lama

We strongly condemn the indecent and abusive behavior carried out by Bilam Muktan, a current member of the Federal Central Committee of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association and a member of the Selection Committee, against Gen Z Youth Activist and our Founding President Sabnam Lama during the General Assembly/Convention of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association held on 16 May, 2026 A.D/Jestha 2, 2083 B.S. Sabnam Lama is a young Indigenous activist who has strongly represented and brought recognition to her community even at prestigious international platforms such as the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), which was recently concluded.

True democratic practice requires that all stakeholders and rights-holders be accorded equal rights, representation, and dignity. When this principle is undermined by authoritarian tendencies or arbitrary exercise of power, it inevitably creates conditions for resistance and collective dissent.

In this context, it is also essential that the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association continue to pursue meaningful reform and progressive development. During its General Assembly/Convention, representatives and direct rights-holders of the Tamang community exercised their constitutional rights in a lawful, informed, and rights-based manner, calling for change with awareness, dignity, and courage. This youth-led call for transformation reflected a legitimate expression of democratic engagement.

However, instead of acknowledging and respecting the enthusiasm and contributions of the emerging generation within the community, the individual concerned responded with ridicule and proceeded to engage in arbitrary and unlawful physical misconduct. Such actions are wholly condemnable and constitute an unacceptable form of abuse of authority and conduct.

Hence, we strongly condemn the indecent behaviour carried out by Bilam Muktan. We demand that Bilam Muktan, responsible for this instigation, publicly apologize to Indigenous Gen Z activist and President of FIG, Sabnam Lama and submit a written commitment ensuring that such misconduct will never be repeated in the future.

We further demand the immediate suspension of the accused, Bilam Muktan, from his position and that he be brought under appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Additionally, any form of pressure on the victim and any attempt by officials of the organization to protect or shield such acts must be stopped immediately.

Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG Nepal)

17/05/2026

We strongly condemn the unacceptable conduct by Muktan Bilam, a current member of the Federal Central Committee of the Nepal Tamang Ghedung Association and a member of its Selection Committee, against a Gen Z Activist and our Founding President, Sabnam Lama

We demand that Bilam Muktan, responsible for this instigation, publicly apologize to Indigenous Gen Z activist and President of FIG, Sabnam Lama, and submit a written commitment ensuring that such misconduct will never be repeated in the future.

We further demand the immediate suspension of the accused, Bilam Muktan, from his position and that he be brought under appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Additionally, any form of pressure on the victim and any attempt by officials of the organization to protect or shield such acts must be stopped immediately.

Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG Nepal)

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

The Indigenous Tamang People of Bhoda Gau, Bojheni, Shankharapur have been resisting the forced encroachment of their Indigenous Land being carried out under the guise of development for the Upper Tamakoshi-Kathmandu hydropower substation line construction.

The struggle committees created by the community, along with a handful of organisations, have tried to contact the Asian Development Bank (ADB) multiple times to point out the obvious abuse of authority and the absence of FPIC (Free Prior and Informed Consent) in the entire process of constructing this substation.

Our Founding President, Sabnam Lama, a Tamang Indigenous Daughter, on 28th April 2026, delivers this intervention in the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) within the Item 5 (g): Thematic dialogue on the financing of Indigenous Peoples’ work and participation across the multilateral and regional system.

The struggles of us Indigenous people, young women and girls, reach important global spaces where we hope for our voices to be heard once again. We applaud our Indigenous daughter for carrying the spirits of the community to the UN Forum💙

Nepali and Tamang Translations, Linked in Comment!!🖇️
Sabnam Lama

29/04/2026

The ICSP Scholarship is now calling for applicants of all genders from the Indigenous Community who have been affected by the Gen Z Peoples Movement Protest 2025. The scholarship is open for students studying in all grades till 12th grade. For more information and criteria, visit the form or our website.

To apply:
Find the form link in our bio, or,
Visit our website www.fignepal.org.np and find it there.

If you have any questions, kindly message us on any of our social media platforms.

25/04/2026

Sabnam Lama, Founding President of Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG), is representing NIWF & FIG at the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) from April 20 to May 5 at UN Headquarters, New York.

UNPFII is a global platform of the United Nations that brings together Indigenous leaders, states, and organizations to address key issues such as human rights, culture, education, environment, and sustainable development.

In her second participation, she continues to amplify the voices and leadership of Indigenous girls, bringing stories and perspectives from grassroots communities in Nepal to a global platform. Her presence connects local realities to global advocacy on land rights, inclusion, justice, and sustainable development.

Through interventions, side events, and experience-sharing, she is creating space for Indigenous girls to better understand and engage with UN mechanisms and global processes.

We extend our trust and best wishes for a meaningful and impactful participation.

22/04/2026

From 8th to 20th of March 2026, a piece of Bojeni's fight against unlawful encroachment of Indigenous land, forceful displacement, and resistance brought on by the Kathmandu-Tamakoshi Hydropower Transmission Line was displayed and visited by youths of France in Forum de Falaise (14) as part of their knowledge sharing program on "Struggles of Indigenous Youths" across borders 🇫🇷

Our documentation of the struggle by Indigenous Media Fellows, 2025, attempted to convey the strength of the Tamang Indigenous Peoples, especially women leading the resistance, of Bojheni. "युल-सा, साप्राला ह्याङ् | 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘪𝘭" has been re-exhibited once again.

We truly hope these efforts of re-exhibition continue to spread the cruelty faced by Indigenous Peoples of Nepal, as we are treated as spare parts for "development".

This would not have been possible without the help of , Benjamin, and the amazing team of high school students (last slide) who worked tirelessly to make sure our messages were conveyed across borders!

Indigenous Media Fellows 2025ta.mang

21/04/2026

Side Event at the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

| The Gen-Z Movement in Nepal: Intergenerational Pathways for Indigenous Land Rights and State Conflict |
📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM EST
📍 Conference Room F, United Nations Headquarters, New York
⚠️ In-person only — due to logistical limitations, this event will not be available online or via livestream.

From Nepal to Bangladesh, Indigenous Gen-Z leaders and young women are reshaping conversations on land rights, conflict, and nation-building at one of the world's most important forums for Indigenous Peoples' rights.

Speakers:
Sabnam Lama — Founder President, Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG); Member and National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) Nepal
Twisa Tripura — Indigenous Youth Leader from Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Shohel Bajang — Human Rights Programme Officer, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact
Toni Chiran — Deputy Chair, Aisa indigenous Youth Platform (AIYP)
Ritu Thapa — Founding Member and Treasurer Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), Nepal

Moderator: Machchhe D. Gurung — Journalist, Nepal

Organised by:
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), Focus for Indigenous Girls (FIG), Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG) and Kirat Mundhum Study Centre

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The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is a high-level advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council, providing a platform for Indigenous Peoples worldwide to raise concerns and engage with UN member states on issues of human rights, culture, environment, education, health, and economic and social development.

28/03/2026

FIG is implementing a scholarship program to support two Indigenous girl students who have been facing significant challenges and uncertainty in accessing and continuing their school education in Nepal. This scholarship program for the academic year of 2083 B.S. seeks to award the scholarship to two Indigenous Girls Students and students of all grades till Grade 12 who were directly affected by the Gen-Z People’s Movement Protest of September 8 and 9, 2025, Children in Community Schools, Gender or Sexual Minorities, Students with Disabilities, and other structural vulnerabilities

Eligibility Criteria:
The program will support students enrolled in community schools, from school level up to Grade 12. Priority will be given to:

* Currently studying in any school level up to Grade 12
* Affected by the Gen-Z Peoples Movement Protest September 8 and 9 2025
* Indigenous Girls
* Gender Minorities
* Students with Disabilities
* Community/Government School Students
* Other structural vulnerabilities

Scholarship Support Package:
The scholarship will cover essential educational and basic needs for one academic year-2083 BS (2026/2027), including:
* Full tuition fees and educational materials
* One set of school uniform
* Travel and lunch expenses
* Sanitary products (to support dignity and regular attendance, especially for girls)
* Additional support as required for example a private tutor/home tuition or extra classes
* Psychosocial support for the student as well as the family eg. counselling. (Note: This support will be provided based on the consent and needs of the student and their family.)

Priority Consideration:
Priority will be given to students and families directly impacted by the 8 and 9 September 2025 protests, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

If you have any questions or need support while applying, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or on Instagram .nepal. You can also call us at +977 9767223525 , +977 986-3512712. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the interview stage. Thank you for taking the time to apply and for sharing your story with us💛