Dignity Defenders, as envisioned by DLMGA, are the next-generation leaders who at present invest their commitment and dedication to community organizing and building resistance against caste-based inequalities and indignities.
Dignity Defenders empowered by the transfer of knowledge and skill on human rights advocacy, communications and coordination act as human rights defenders working with the community at the local level. DLMGA will also equip the Dignity Defenders with collaborators, connections, coalition and network to strengthen and amplify grassroots movement.
In the year 2024, 22 youth representing women, LGBTQI+ individuals, Dalit and other marginalized communities underwent a comprehensive capacity enhancement opportunity to evolve as Dignity Defenders, under the initiative “Youth Action for Human Rights, Justice and Dignity”. The 22 Dignity Defenders led 66 campaigns and engaged more than 2,000 community members in Kapilvastu and Dang districts of Lumbini Province on actions targeted to address exclusion and discrimination
The opportunity featured a training that covered human rights, constitution, justice system and legal procedure, rule of law and sustainable development goals followed by a three-month mentorship and learning-sharing workshop. As Dignity Defenders, the youth engaged with local bodies and elected representatives to address caste inequalities, combat gender injustices, and strengthen human rights in their communities. In 2025, 20 youth from Dalit-led civil society organizations (CSOs) participated in a leadership and advocacy capacity enhancement training under the initiative “Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training: Strengthening Youth Civil Society.” This initiative was organized by the Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) in partnership with The British Council Nepal. The training aimed to address systemic barriers faced by Dalit communities by equipping young leaders with the skills to advocate for climate resilience, good governance, and social accountability. As Dignity Defenders, they lead over 50 community campaigns, engaging more than 500 individuals across Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces. Their actions focused on climate justice and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and empowering Dalit and marginalized communities through advocacy and public participation.
Over the next five years, DLMGA aims to cultivate more than 1,500 next-generation leaders as Dignity Defenders, championing the rights of Dalits, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and other socially excluded groups in Nepal
