Gender and social inclusion expert Dibya Devi Gurung noted that women are disproportionately affected based on identity, geographical location, and resource access. She emphasized the vulnerability of Chepang women and others from marginalized groups who face multiple layers of discrimination. Similarly, President Chure-Tarai Madhes Conservation Development Board Assistant Secretary Srijana Shrestha pointed out how invasive plant species, a consequence of climate change, further strain women’s daily efforts to collect forest resources. Adivasi Janajati and Local Community Manager Kamala Thapa referred to the IPCC’s sixth report, reinforcing that indigenous women are among those most severely impacted by climate change.

I presented on the Youth Perspective on Climate Change during a round-table discussion conducted by Annapurna Post and AP1 TV. My contribution centered on important role of youth in addressing climate change, emphasizing innovative solutions, awareness-building, and the importance of engaging young people in sustainable practices to mitigate its impacts.

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Media Literacy Incubation Workshop Part II, organized by IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems), Meta (Facebook), We Inspire Nepal, and My Vote, My Future. This two-day workshop was a transformative experience, focusing on youth civic engagement, the importance of women’s participation in civic processes, voter registration, the roles of elected representatives, and improving access for people with disabilities in civic spaces.

The sessions delved deeply into how media literacy connects with these themes, addressing the risks of disinformation and misinformation in the digital age. We explored strategies for ensuring accurate information, particularly related to elections and political processes. Drafting video concepts based on key messages, such as countering hate speech, promoting inclusion in political and electoral processes, fact-checking, and encouraging active civic engagement, was one of the most engaging aspects of the workshop.

I was especially inspired by the facilitators, Roshan Ghimire and Sabin Budhathoki, who led the sessions with energy and creativity, ensuring everyone participated and shared their ideas. The sessions were so dynamic that there was never a dull moment, and I felt motivated to bring my best to the discussions and activities.

Our hard work paid off when our team’s video concept won third place in the competition. The video, now published by IFES, highlights critical issues around disinformation, inclusion, and the role of youth in democratic processes. This recognition was a proud moment for me and my team, showcasing the power of collaboration and creativity.

Being part of this workshop was a truly enriching experience that reinforced my belief in the importance of media literacy and civic engagement. I am immensely thankful to IFES Nepal Country Director Pascaline Krone, Yasas Vishuddhi Abeywickrama from Meta, We Inspire Nepal, My Vote, and My Future for organizing this empowering event. I look forward to contributing further to such meaningful initiatives in the future.

Link to video: Let us Ensure Equal Access for everyone, including people with disabilities, in all aspects of voting rights! Selected in third position by My Vote, My Future , Meta, Facebook and The International Foundation for Electoral Systems: IFE

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More about the event: https://forestaction.org/policy-dialogue-forum-for-discussion-between-the-rural-women-entrepreneurs-policymakers-and-policy-implementers/

I have been selected as one of the speakers at the International Young Scientist Forum for Climate Change, focusing on Bamboo-based Solutions representing ForestAction Nepal. The event was organized by the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) The University of British Columbia, Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU), and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR).
It was co-organized by several prestigious institutions, including the International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR), the China-Canada Joint Laboratory for Bamboo & Rattan Science and Technology, and others like the Asia Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism (APFECM), Jiangxi Academy of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Fujian A&F University, Southwest Forestry University, Bamboo Society of India (BSI), and World Bamboo Organization (WBO).
My presentation, titled “Bamboo Brilliance: Empowering Bhujel’s in Nawalpur, Nepal through Bamboo Restoration, Technological Interventions, and Market Innovations,” was an incredible opportunity to share insights among 55 participants representing diverse corners of the globe.
All the findings presented were derived from the action research project, “Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions.” https://lnkd.in/dbjtGgUk

Presenting the prospects and challenges of indigenous entrepreneurship to a global audience was a truly rewarding experience.
Overall research informs that appropriate women-friendly technologies, resource, service and market access, networking, exposure visits, fair trades, low carbon approach and strategic dialogues with the policy makers and implementers remained instrumental to improve women’s entrepreneurial motivation and performance.
#WomenEntrepreneurs hashtag#Bamboosolutions

My role: Organizer and Poster presenter

The International Conference on Revitalizing Community Forestry in the Era of Socio-Environmental Crisis took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 4th and 5th, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Forest and Environment, the Australian Government (through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research), and various partners including the EnLiFT2 project, the Institute of Forestry, the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal, and Agriculture and Forestry University, the conference brought together over 211 participants from 11 countries to address challenges and opportunities in community forestry. Esteemed speakers, including Dr. David Ganz and Prof. Tapan Kumar Nath, led discussions on governance, forest management, and enterprise. I was part of the organizing team from ForestAction Nepal, where my role involved helping with registration, capturing keynotes and events on social media, and presenting a poster on Green Enterprises: A Pathway to Women’s Economic Empowerment.

More about the Event: https://forestaction.org/international-conference-on-revitalising-community-forestry-in-the-era-of-socio-environmental-crisis-nepal/