Dignity Initiative

Dignity Initiative (DI) is a Kathmandu-based, not-for-profit research and advocacy organization established in 2015 by researchers, writers, academics, and activists committed to advancing the rights and dignity of Dalit and other marginalized communities in Nepal. DI works to address caste-based discrimination, exclusion, and structural inequalities through knowledge production, policy advocacy, public discourse, and capacity strengthening. Over the past decade, DI has generated research, data, evidence, and policy analysis on Dalit rights, social inclusion, political representation, access to justice, civic space, and other emerging human rights issues. It uses this evidence to inform policymakers, political leaders, civil society, and marginalized communities, while creating spaces for critical public and academic discourse. DI also strengthens the capacity and leadership of young people, researchers, lawyers, activists, and human rights defenders. DI combines community engagement, research, capacity building, and national and international advocacy to translate evidence into policy and institutional change. As an organization with Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC, DI also engages with international human rights mechanisms to amplify Dalit concerns and strengthen accountability for Nepal’s human rights commitments.