UN Marks International Day of Indigenous Women and Girls for the First Time

International Voice – September 9, 2026

The United Nations headquarters in New York hosted what was described as a historic event marking, for the first time, the International Day of Indigenous Women and Girls, with participants stressing that their leadership begins with meaningful recognition of their rights, voices and the urgency of the issues they raise.

The international day is observed annually on September 5, following its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly late last year, and aims to highlight the rights, resilience and leadership of Indigenous women and girls.

Edna Kaptoyo, from the Indigenous Women’s Network in Africa, said Indigenous women are taking leadership roles across a wide range of areas, from building resilience to climate change and working for peace to advancing justice within communities and supporting food systems and local economies.

She emphasized that leadership begins with genuine recognition of Indigenous women’s rights, their voices, the urgency of the issues they raise, and how those rights are exercised.

Kaptoyo also stressed the importance of creating pathways and supportive environments that allow Indigenous women and girls to thrive as leaders, while ensuring the inclusion of those with disabilities.

A Call to Action

Kaptoyo was among a group of Indigenous women from different parts of the world who shared their experiences during the event, which was co-organized by UN Women and the International Indigenous Women’s Forum and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Mexico and Canada to the United Nations.

Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, said in a video message shown at the beginning of the event that, across generations, Indigenous women and girls have preserved cultures, languages and ancestral knowledge. They have also been leaders in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

She emphasized that the day is not only about recognition and celebration but also represents a call to action, noting that Indigenous women and girls continue to face intersecting forms of discrimination rooted in gender inequality, racism, colonialism and socioeconomic exclusion.

She also referred to General Recommendation No. 39 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which affirms the individual and collective rights of Indigenous women and girls, including their right to participation.

The UN official said that when Indigenous women and girls take the lead, gender equality advances, communities thrive and humanity moves forward.

Advancing the Rights of Indigenous Women and Girls

Sarah Douglas, UN Women’s Deputy Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean, said history was being made through the first observance of the international day.

She said advancing the rights of Indigenous women and girls requires action across several areas, including ensuring their full, effective and meaningful participation in all decision-making processes affecting their lives, guaranteeing access to justice, and protecting their rights to land, territories and natural resources.

She also highlighted the need to ensure access to health services, education, social protection and care, as well as to produce and use better data that reflects the realities, contributions and demands of Indigenous women and girls.

Teresa Zapeta, Executive Director of the International Indigenous Women’s Forum, recalled that Indigenous peoples had struggled for decades, amid silence and marginalization, to advance this cause.

She described the occasion as “a day that brings hope,” saying it was a moment when Indigenous women and girls could be told that they can achieve their goals and that they can do so together.

The event was moderated by Chanda Thapa, Program Director at International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, who identified herself as a member of the Indigenous Hmong people of Nepal.

Thapa opened the event by referring to the tragedy unfolding in Nepal, saying it served as a reminder that Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women and girls, are often on the front lines of the impacts of climate change.