How We Work

A community-centered, rights-based approach.

Our work is rooted in customary governance systems, collective leadership, social justice, and respect for indigenous knowledge and traditions.

Foundations

We work closely with traditional leaders, communities, and partners — ensuring meaningful participation and inclusive decision-making.

01 Approach

Pillar 01

Self-determination.

Indigenous peoples have the collective right to determine their social, cultural, economic, and political development according to their own values, traditions, and customary institutions.

The Network promotes meaningful participation of indigenous communities — especially women traditional leaders — in community governance, local decision-making, peacebuilding, and development processes. Through awareness, advocacy, and leadership strengthening, we support indigenous voices and representation at every level.

02 Approach

Pillar 02

Indigenous women.

Indigenous women play a vital role in preserving culture, maintaining social harmony, protecting traditional knowledge, and supporting community development.

Despite these contributions, indigenous women often face social, economic, and institutional challenges that limit their participation in leadership. We work to empower indigenous women through leadership development, capacity-building, rights awareness, community engagement, and representation — promoting dignity, equality, and active participation.

Pillar 03

Advancement of indigenous women's rights.

We are committed to promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous women in accordance with human rights principles, indigenous customary values, and gender equality.

Equal Participation

Equal participation in decision-making — within homes, communities, and institutions.

Protection

Protection from all forms of discrimination and violence affecting indigenous women and girls.

Access

Access to education, justice, and economic opportunities for all indigenous women.

Leadership Recognition

Formal recognition of women's leadership roles within traditional institutions and beyond.

Social Empowerment

Building social and economic empowerment pathways for indigenous women across communities.

Community Dialogue

Awareness campaigns, dialogues, and training that encourage inclusive community practices.

Policy voice for indigenous women.

From local governance to national platforms.

04 Approach

Pillar 04

Indigenous women in policy-making.

Indigenous women must be included in policy discussions and decision-making processes that affect their communities, lands, culture, and future generations.

The Network strengthens representation of women traditional leaders in local governance, community institutions, civil society platforms, and development planning. By building leadership skills and creating opportunities for dialogue, we encourage active participation of indigenous women in policy advocacy.

05 Approach

Pillar 05

Biodiversity conservation.

Indigenous communities have long maintained a close relationship with nature and traditional environmental practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation.

We recognize the important role of indigenous women in protecting forests, natural resources, traditional agriculture, water sources, and ecological knowledge. The Network promotes environmental awareness, sustainable community practices, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge related to biodiversity.

Our approach is rooted in customary governance systems, collective leadership, social justice, and respect for indigenous knowledge and traditions.

— CHT WHKN Methodology

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See how our approach shapes our programmes.

Eight community-led programmes built on these five pillars.

View programmes Where we work