Khesheli Chishi has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Network of Indigenous Women of Asia (NIWA), marking a significant moment in the leadership of indigenous women’s movements across Asia. The Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI) stated in a press release that the election took place during NIWA’s 1st General Assembly held from May 21 to 24, 2025, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
NIWA, established in 2019, is a member-based network that brings together indigenous women’s organisations and networks across 14 Asian countries. The network is organised into four sub-regions: East Asia, Mekong and South Asia, and South East Asia. It is committed to a vision in which indigenous women are empowered, capable, and self-reliant in enjoying their rights and fostering inclusive and sustainable development across Asia.
“Ms. Chishi brings to this position extensive experience and dedication, having served as a women’s activist and in various leadership roles, including a term as former President of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Nagaland, and as a former Convenor and current Advisor to the Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI),” the press release said.
“The Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI) warmly congratulates Ms. Khesheli Chishi on her appointment as Chairperson of NIWA. IWFNEI recognises her tireless efforts and remarkable leadership in advancing the rights and voices of indigenous women, both within the region and across Asia,” it added.
Founded on October 15, 2004, IWFNEI is a mass-based tribal women’s umbrella organisation dedicated to the empowerment, rights, and development of indigenous women in North East India. The Forum is a member organisation of NIWA and Asia’s Indigenous People’s Pact.
“The forum takes great pride in Ms. Chishi’s achievements and extends its full support as she takes on this important continental role,” the press release issued by Sunita Debbarma, Convenor, IWFNEI stated, adding that it looks forward to continued collaboration and expresses full support for Chishi in her new role with NIWA.