Vision & Mission

Who we are

Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) Established in 1994, Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) has emerged as a beacon of optimism, spearheading a movement dedicated to the empowerment of Dalit Rights on a national scale. Our foundation is built upon the principles of equality and justice, as we tirelessly endeavor to break down the barriers of caste and gender discrimination. With an unwavering dedication, we champion fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of Dalit women and the broader Dalit community resonate across platforms of power and influence.

Driven by a vision of a more just society, FEDO is committed to integrating Dalit women and the entire Dalit community into the fabric of social, economic, and political development in Nepal. Through our multifaceted advocacy, we aim to challenge entrenched societal norms, paving a path towards a future where every individual, irrespective of caste or gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s collective progress.

Core Focus Areas of FEDO Nepal

Economic Empowement

Human Rights & Access to Justice

Leadership Development Participation

Inclusive Governance & Social Justice

Gender Responsive Assistance

Our Story

Responding to this pandemic, FEDO has stepped up and provided much-needed humanitarian support to the vulnerable populations: Dalit and marginalized ones of Nepal. It has been rigorously working on spreading awareness among the vulnerable groups and organizing psychosocial counseling for the needy ones along with coordinating with the Nepal government to identify and address the most urgent needs of Dalits in this pandemic.

Vision

A just and equitable society where Dalits and Dalit women enjoy their rights and have opportunities to life, equity, participation and development.

Mission

To create a movement against caste and gender-based discrimination in order to protect and promote all rights of Dalit women with their socio-economic empowerment.

Goal

To eliminate caste and gender-based discrimination against Dalit women by making duty bearers, responsive and rights holders proactive towards enhancing equal rights and opportunities.

History of FEDO Nepal ↓

1994: Established Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) was established to work for all rights, justice, and holistic development of Dalit women at all levels.
1995-2004 FEDO has played a pivotal role in mobilizing Dalit women across Nepal, bringing together over 500 women from 33 districts in its early days to spotlight their challenges and advocate for their rights. Collaborating with government representatives, political leaders, academics, and civil society, the organization initiated a campaign to raise awareness and foster social capital among Dalit women. This sustained effort has formed over 3,000 groups, empowered more than 80,000 Dalit women and directly benefiting nearly half a million Dalit and marginalized women.
1995-2004 FEDO represented Dalit women at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and brought the issues faced by Nepal’s Dalit community and Dalit women, to the global stage, thereby internationalizing the issue.
2005-2014 Actively participated and played a significant role in the historic People’s Movement-2007 (Jana Andolan-2062/63) that established democracy and the republic in Nepal.
2005-2014 FEDO has strengthened regional and global collaboration on Dalit women’s issues by successfully organizing and managing significant regional and international conferences, including the Dalit women's international conferences held in Kathmandu in 2011 and 2014..
2015-Present The Constitution of Nepal (2015) recognized Dalit rights and women's rights as fundamental rights, and the Local Election Act of 2016 ensured the reservation of Dalit women as ward members. In the 2017 local elections, 6,567 Dalit women were elected at the ward level, with 25% of these women benefiting from the empowerment initiatives driven by FEDO.
2015-Present Advocating for the implementation of CEDAW, CERD, UPR, and SDGs from a Dalit human rights perspective, FEDO prepared and submitted a shadow report on Dalit women’s issues to the CEDAW Committee, leading to recommendations for the government. Recognized as a knowledge hub, FEDO attracts researchers and international human rights activists at national and global levels.
2015-Present FEDO has supported over 15,716 households, including 14,115 Dalit households, with relief during disasters like the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, 2017 Terai floods, 2023 Jajarkot earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now collaborating with NDRRMA to promote gender equality, disability, and inclusion in disaster management.
2015-Present A provincial network has been established to strengthen representation and address Dalit women’s issues at the provincial level. Conferences in all provinces engaged over 1,750 Dalit women, frontline leaders, and elected representatives, fostering accountability from provincial governments.
2015-Present Economic empowerment initiatives have trained over 14,000 individuals in skill development. More than 600 Dalit women have launched small businesses, over 10,000 have achieved self-employment, and group savings have mobilized around 15 crores.
2015-Present FEDO's national and international recognition has grown significantly, taking on leadership roles in networks like the Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF) and the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN). Through active participation in platforms such as IMADR, GFoD, EWP, the Global Right to Food Network, and the Men Engagement Alliance, FEDO has enhanced global awareness of issues affecting Dalit women.

FEDO's core values are reflected by the word “HEALING”

H: Honesty and Committed

E: Equal dignity

A: Accountability and transparency

L: Loyalty to communities

I: Inclusiveness at all spheres

N: Non-discrimination and respect for all

G: Gender equity