Khesheli Chishi elected chairperson of Network of Indigenous Women of Asia

DIMAPUR — Khesheli Chishi has been elected as the new chairperson of the Network of Indigenous Women of Asia (NIWA), marking a significant moment in the leadership of indigenous women’s movements across Asia.

An update from the organisation stated that the election took place during NIWA’s 1st general assembly held from May 21 to the 24th in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

It mentioned that NIWA, established in 2019, is a member-based network that brings together indigenous women's organisations and networks across 14 Asian countries. The network is organised into four sub-regions namely East Asia, Mekong, South Asia and South East Asia.

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It stated that the organisation is committed to a vision in which indigenous women are empowered, capable and self-reliant in enjoying their rights and fostering inclusive and sustainable development across Asia.

It added that Chishi has held various leadership roles as a women’s activist including a term as former president of Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) as well as former convenor and current advisor to the Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI).

Meanwhile, IWFNEI has congratulated Chishi on her appointment as chairperson of NIWA. It has acknowledged her tireless efforts and remarkable leadership in advancing the rights and voices of indigenous women, both within the region and across Asia.

Founded on October 15, 2004, IWFNEI is a mass-based tribal women’s umbrella organisation dedicated to the empowerment, rights and development of indigenous women in northeast India. The Forum is a member organisation of NIWA and Asia’s Indigenous People’s Pact.

The Forum looked forward to continued collaboration and expressed full support for Chishi in her new role with NIWA.