Paint The Revolution
The “Paint the Revolution” campaign converges art and activism, spotlighting stories of resistance and resilience. It aims to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and spur dialogue, fostering collective action for change. Artists collaborate to challenge societal injustices, employing various mediums to amplify grassroots movements. Through paint and brush, the campaign ignites a new wave of revolution, advocating for systemic transformation and social justice.
In the last two editions, DLMGA in collaboration with Kaalo.101, provided a platform for over 50 artists and activists to conceptualize their ideas and painted over 15 mural paintings, and wheat paste in different locations across Nepal. These artworks have been exhibited in different national and international forums such as the World Social Forum, Nepal Social Work Symposium, One-Day Feminist Conference, and many more. These impactful visuals gained significant attention and were also featured on BBC and other national media.
In the upcoming editions of Paint the Revolution, we aim to expand the scope of the campaign and engage other forms of artistic expression like cinematography, documentaries, music, traditional arts, and literature to promote counter-narratives to the caste system.
Caste Conversation
First Iteration
The first iteration of Caste Conversation brought together anti-caste advocates from around the world to share experiences and discuss the challenges in combating the caste system. Over 14 insightful episodes, experts delved into a wide array of topics, such as the intersection of caste with gender and queerness, the critical role of reservation, the political economy of caste and gender, and much more. This series has been instrumental in educating youth on the deeply ingrained caste-based injustices within society. Watch all the Episodes here.
Second Iteration
The second iteration of Caste Conversation was hosted in person in Kathmandu, an impactful event exploring the deep-rooted effects of caste on society. Renowned scholar and activist Dr. Suraj Yengde, author of the bestseller Caste Matters and a Harvard Du Bois fellow, led the discussion. Dr. Yengde shared profound insights on caste dynamics, drawing from his research and experiences to highlight the complex intersections of caste with social and political life. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, exchanging perspectives and examining the enduring challenges of caste discrimination and inequality. Watch the event here.
Third Iteration
The third iteration of Caste Conversation is dedicated to highlighting youth perspectives on caste and its intersections. DLMGA is proudly relaunching Caste Conversation as a youth-focused program, providing a platform for young individuals to share their views and insights on the caste system within the Nepalese context. Recognizing the critical role of youth in advocating against caste atrocities, this edition aims to create an inclusive space where young voices from diverse socio-economic, political, and geographical backgrounds can openly discuss caste-related issues in Nepal. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming edition of Caste Conversation!
Youth Action for Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity
The pilot initiative “Youth Action for Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity” has empowered over 22 youths, including women, LGBTQI+ individuals, Dalits, and other marginalized communities, to become Dignity Defenders. This program engaged over 2,000 community members through 66 campaigns aimed at educating, intervening, and preventing exclusion and discrimination in the Kapilvastu and Dang districts of Lumbini Province, Nepal.
Participants received comprehensive training and workshops, covering topics such as human rights, legal procedures, the justice system, the constitution, the rule of law, and Sustainable Development Goals. This training was 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. Collaboration with six local community-based organizations enhanced understanding of the complex landscape of Lumbini, fostering collective efforts to reduce inequalities.
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.
Candle Light Vigil
Candlelight vigils were held in Kathmandu and Janakpur to honor the memory of six youths, including Nawaraj BK, who were brutally killed in the Rukum West massacre by a village mob. The vigils saw participation from civil activists, youth, and representatives of rights-based organizations, all united in their grief and solidarity.
The events in Kathmandu and Janakpur were supported by Counter Culture and INSEC Nepal, respectively. Participants paid tribute to the murdered individuals: Nawaraj BK, Tikaram Sunar, Govind Shahi, Lokendra Sunar, Ganesh Budhamagar, and Sandeep BK, remembering their lives and advocating for justice in the face of such tragic violence.
World Social Forum (WSF) 2024
DLMGA exhibited the artwork from the two editions of the Paint the Revolution Campaign during the World Social Forum 2024, held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The exhibition was inaugurated by Michael Croft, Head of Office and Representative to Nepal for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and attracted over 2,000 attendees.
Additionally, under the World Dignity Forum segment of the WSF, DLMGA emphasized the need for collective action to combat caste-based discrimination in South Asia and advocated for the inclusion of caste issues in global discussions. Panel discussions, organized in collaboration with various youth-based organizations from across continents, provided a valuable platform for exchanging insights, sharing best practices, and developing transformative solutions to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Inclusive Learning Experiences
As a part of Community Demand-Driven Initiatives, Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA), in collaboration with the Dalit Development Community Centre, launched a school enrollment campaign in April 2024, aimed at increasing the enrollment of Dalit children in the Rautahat district of Madhesh Province, Nepal. This initiative focuses on enhancing access to public schools and educational opportunities for Dalit students. Simultaneously, DLMGA is providing free tuition classes in three local government units of Rautahat. These classes are designed to support students in their academic journey, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to achieve better educational outcomes.
Reducing Inequalities: Third Koshi Province Conference
In partnership with Resource Development Forum (ReDeF) Nepal, Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance hosted the third Koshi Province Conference on “Promoting the Role of Elected Representatives in Advancing Dalit Rights” in Biratnagar, Koshi Province, on March 18-19, 2024. The conference aimed to create a platform for knowledge exchange and to share the lived experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by Dalit representatives in the region.
The event attracted over 500 attendees, including representatives from ward, municipal, provincial, and federal levels, as well as members of the National Dalit Commission. The opening session featured the Honorable Kedar Karki, Chief Minister of the Government of Koshi Province, who highlighted the importance of collective action. This conference served as a crucial opportunity to chart a collective path forward for the Dalit movement, enhancing and amplifying the engagement of elected Dalit representatives. By fostering an inclusive environment for all stakeholders, the event united participants in the shared goal of advancing Dalit rights. DLMGA also exhibited the artworks of the Paint the Revolution at the third Koshi Province Conference.
Peoples' Vaccine Campaign
In partnership with the Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF) and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, a survey of 156 Dalits across Nepal was conducted to assess the accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines, healthcare services, and quarantine facilities. The participants reflected intra-Dalit diversity, incorporating various intersections of class, gender, age, and geographical location.
Following the survey, two articles were published in the national online news portal OnlineKhabar, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize Dalit communities in COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The articles highlighted the serious repercussions of neglecting Dalit and marginalized communities during the pandemic, advocating for more inclusive healthcare policies.
Read the articles:
Why should Nepal prioritize Dalit communities in its Covid vaccination?
Is Nepal prepared to save the grassroots population from another Covid-like outbreak in the future?
Policy Review: Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability
(Offense and Punishment) Act, 2011
Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) collaborated with legal experts, retired judges, and influential change-makers to conduct a comprehensive review of the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (CBDU) Act of 2011. The primary goal of this review was to assess the Act’s ongoing efficacy, relevance, and alignment with the current socio-legal landscape in Nepal.
During the review process, critical areas requiring amendments and improvements were identified. In response, a meticulously prepared recommendation document was developed, incorporating valuable feedback and insights from the esteemed panel of experts. These recommendations represent a significant step toward enhancing the capacity to effectively address and eliminate caste-based discrimination within Nepal’s legal and social framework.
Online Campaigns
DLMGA initiated a powerful online petition seeking justice for Nabaraj BK and his friends, who were brutally murdered on May 23, 2020, in Karnali Province, Nepal. With 32,782 signatures, the petition drew significant national and international attention, supporting the families’ pursuit of justice for the victims. Along with the petition, DLMGA launched a series of educational videos and infographics on social media to increase awareness of caste oppression. These resources aimed to educate the public on the impact of caste-based discrimination and inspire meaningful dialogue on the issue.
DLMGA also ran a social media campaign highlighting the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (CBDU) Act of 2011 and constitutional rights for Dalits and marginalized communities. Reaching over 40,000 users, this campaign empowered individuals with information about their legal rights and protections against caste discrimination. To deepen the campaign’s reach, DLMGA partnered with youth leaders and local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), promoting discussions and raising awareness within Nepalese communities. This grassroots collaboration strengthened the movement, amplifying its impact at the local level.
Globalizing Caste Conversation
Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance (DLMGA) is dedicated to promoting caste awareness within the global diaspora, aligning its efforts with worldwide movements to address the shared challenges faced by Dalits and marginalized communities. Through its advocacy, DLMGA works to position caste issues prominently on the global agenda.
In a recent collaboration, DLMGA and international partners organized a significant side event, Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, at the United Nations General Assembly’s SDG Summit in New York. This event discussed the forthcoming Resolution on the Rights of CDWD (Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent) and Dalits. The Honorable NP Saud, then Foreign Minister of Nepal, voiced his support for the Resolution, affirming Nepal’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for these communities.
Community Demand-Driven Initiatives
DLMGA actively engages with community members and Dalit elected representatives across all three tiers of government—local, provincial, and federal—to understand and share the lived experiences, challenges, and pressing concerns of the community. Through these interactions, DLMGA seeks to ensure that the proposed Federal Civil Service Bill of 2080 is inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Dalits. Based on the needs assessment during the visits, DLMGA plans and implements different Community Demand-Driven Initiatives.
Additionally, DLMGA is persistently advocating with Dalit elected representatives in Karnali, Koshi, Lumbini, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces. This engagement aims to foster the development of comprehensive Dalit Rights Bills in each province, with the goal of reducing inequalities through effective policy and legislative frameworks.
One-Day Feminist Conference 2024
DLMGA supported Ujyalo Foundation as one of the collaborating partners in organizing a One-day Feminist Conference. Attended by over 100 young people, the conference consisted of various sessions and panel discussions that addressed a wide range of feminist issues such as leadership, intersectionality, well-being and self-care, unpaid care work, climate crisis, and building feminist alliances and networks. Other collaborating partners were Accountability Lab, Dignity Initiative, Governance Lab, Harin Nepal, Nagarik Awaz, Tewa, and Yuwalaya.
At the conference, Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance showcased two impactful activities: the “Paint the Revolution” exhibition and facilitated a parallel session titled “Looking into the Intersections of Ethnicity, Caste, and Feminism.” The exhibition displayed powerful artwork capturing the resilience and resistance of Dalit and marginalized communities, using artivism as a means to confront caste-based exclusion and amplify unheard voices. Meanwhile, the parallel session provided a space for deep discussions on how caste and ethnicity intersect with feminist struggles, encouraging participants to engage with complex social justice issues and promoting a broader understanding of intersectional feminism.
Study on Intricacies of Underprivileged Labor Migration to India
A desk study on the Intricacies of Underprivileged Labor Migration to India provided an opportunity to analyze the current trend and status of migration to India by Dalits. It was found that Dalits migrating to India accounted for 31% of the total migrants to India, where they represent 59.7% of Nepalese migrants. The study provided evidence of a stark contrast during international migration to the caste dynamics in Nepal.