Indigenous Women

Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, remains a widespread form of modern slavery in parts of Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. It typically occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions, often with little or no wages and no clear end to their obligation. Entire families, including children, can be trapped in cycles of debt for generations, working in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and mining. Despite legal bans in many countries, weak enforcement and poverty continue to fuel this human rights violation.

Krotoa, also known as Eva, was a young Khoi woman who played a significant and complex role in early South African history during the Dutch colonial period. Taken in as a servant in the household of Jan van Riebeeck, the first Dutch commander at the Cape, Krotoa served as a translator and cultural mediator between the Dutch settlers and her indigenous Khoi people. Fluent in both Dutch and Khoikhoi languages, she became a vital link in early negotiations and trade.

The Indigenous Media Zone will provide Indigenous media, journalists and platforms a working space equipped with WiFi during the 24th Session of the Permanent Forum. The space will also allow for interaction with non-Indigenous media. Cultural Survival attended UNPFII 2025 and interviewed some of the delegates that attended.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewee: Chelsey Perry (Nisga'a)
Music 'Libres Y Vivas' by Mare Advertencia, used with permission.
'Burn your village to the ground' by The Haluci Nation, used with permission.

Violence against Indigenous women is a pervasive and multifaceted issue that includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, often rooted in the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, racism, and systemic inequality. Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of violence, including intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and murder, frequently exacerbated by the lack of access to justice and inadequate responses from law enforcement.

To combat violence against women and girls, governments and international organizations must strengthen the protection systems for Indigenous girls, promote culturally sensitive education, and support initiatives that empower Indigenous communities to prevent violence and ensure justice for affected girls.
Alice Tipap from the Maasai Community spoke to us about violence against women amongst Indigenous Maasai people.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewee: Alice Nina Tipap (Maasai)
Music: 'Whispers', by Ziibiwan, used with permission.

The Cultural Survival Bazaars are a series of cultural festivals, organized by Indigenous Peoples’ rights organization Cultural Survival, that provide Indigenous artists and artisans, cooperatives, and their representatives from around the world the chance to sell their work directly to the public.
Each event features traditional and contemporary crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and accessories from dozens of countries.

During our recent visit to Kenya, Cultural Survival stopped in Kajiado County to speak to 
Noah Solonka Tompo(Maasai) from Transforming Pastoralist Women Initiative in Kajiado County, Kenya Maasai.
This organization also provides counseling services to Indigenous Youth who are addicted to drugs.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)

Interviewee:Noah Solonka Tompo(Maasai)
"Anania2" by The Baba Project, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission

November 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Indigenous women face disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination due to their intersecting identities (woman and Indigenous) which have both been historically marginalized in society. Nepali activists explain their work to end violence against women in their country, and lay out next steps for continuing the work of women's liberation around the world.

INTERVIEWEES
Yasso Kanti Bhattachan, Indigenous Women’s Federation of Nepal
Chanda Thapa Magar, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

During our recent visit to Kenya, Cultural Survival stopped in Kajiado County to speak to 
Noah Solonka Tompo(Maasai) from Transforming Pastoralist Women Initiative in Kajiado County, Kenya Maasai.
This organization also provides counseling services to Indigenous Youth who are addicted to drugs.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Noah Solonka Tompo(Maasai)
Interviewee
"Anania2" by The Baba Project, used with permission.
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission

Indigenous Women all around the world are subjected to marginalization and inequality.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, we celebrate the work of Lukretia Booysen (Griekwa, Nama), an Indigenous change maker who is the curator of The Koena Art Institute. Booysen tells us about the Institute's collaboration with the Iziko Art Museum.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoisan)
Interviewee: Lukretia Booysen (Griekwa, Nama)
"Anania by the Baba Project, Used with Permission
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission