Over $24,000 Raised in the U.S. at ADWAN Anniversary to Support Marginalized Women in Nepal

The Association of Dalit Women Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN) raised $24,460 in the United States during its 27th anniversary celebration. The fundraising campaign will continue until December. The anniversary event and fundraiser were organized in New Jersey by Friends of ADWAN Nepal, a charitable organization. Based in the U.S., Friends of ADWAN Nepal serves as the fundraising arm of ADWAN, which operates in Nepal.

Opening the program, Dipti Parmar, Chair of the Charity Day Gala, highlighted ADWAN’s remarkable journey from a grassroots initiative to a national movement. She stated that the organization has impacted the lives of over 153,000 people across Nepal to date.

“Through ADWAN, thousands of women who once had no opportunities now have education, confidence, and dignity,” Parmar said. “Each story reminds us that change begins when someone believes in you. ADWAN does exactly that”.

Founding President Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar recounted a childhood story that continues to define her mission. “When I was a little girl, I was told I could not enter a temple because I was Dalit, considered untouchable,” she said. “My father told me, ‘You can change this system, but you must be educated.’ That moment defined my life”.

This initiative, which began 27 years ago in her village of Taklung, Gorkha, with just $150 and the courage of one woman, has evolved into a nationwide force for social justice. ADWAN now supports more than 27,000 children in schools and empowers women’s groups in 15 districts of Nepal, helping them become self-reliant and confident community leaders.

“Our women no longer see caste,” Dr. Pariyar said. “They see each other as equals, as friends, as leaders. This is not just progress; this is a silent revolution”.

During the anniversary session, the Chief Guest, Lok Bahadur Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), praised ADWAN’s contributions to social transformation.

“ADWAN’s journey is a celebration of courage, compassion, and collective action for justice and equality,” he said. “From humble beginnings, it has evolved into a nationwide movement—a silent revolution driven by vision and resilience”.

Ambassador Thapa emphasized that ADWAN’s work aligns with the United Nations’ goals of inclusion, equality, and sustainable development. Earlier this year, ADWAN received Special Consultative Status from ECOSOC, making it the only Nepali organization recognized by the UN in 2025. This achievement is expected to bring Nepal’s story of grassroots empowerment to the global stage.

“When we invest in education, equality, and dignity,” Thapa added, “we invest in peace, prosperity, and justice for all”.

Senator Angela V. McKnight applauded ADWAN’s longstanding dedication. “You planted a seed 27 years ago, and today it has grown into a circle that surrounds not just Nepal but also communities here in the United States,” she said.

Delegate Harry Bhandari, the first Nepali-American elected in Maryland, praised ADWAN for its unwavering dedication and impact. “Revolutions aren’t born in palaces of power; they often start in the humblest places,” he said. “ADWAN’s story reminds us that real change comes not from privilege, but from struggle and perseverance.” He added, “Through ADWAN, the story of Nepal comes alive, reflecting the realities of society. Everywhere, the poor seek dignity, and women fight for equality—this is what ADWAN is fighting for”.

Ravinder Bhalla, Mayor of Hoboken and Assembly member-elect, called ADWAN “a model of empowerment through education and equality,” pledging continued support for initiatives that uplift women and marginalized communities.

Sumitra Manandhar, Director of Friends of ADWAN Nepal, reminded the audience that ADWAN’s success belongs to everyone who believes in its mission. “Every scholarship, every story, and every smile carries your fingerprints,” she said. “Together, we can keep turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into achievements”.

Attendees included Assemblywoman-elect Katie Brennan, CEO of Pan America Ria Serrano, immigration lawyer Khagendra G.C., members of the Nepali, Filipino, and South Asian communities from New York and New Jersey, entrepreneurs, and well-wishers. Free health check-ups and vaccinations for COVID-19 and influenza were also provided to attendees.

The Gala honored Nepali actress Basundhara Bhusal with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to cinema and society. Likewise, Nepali singer Sapana Shree, Jagadish Samal, and Parkor Dinesh Sunar were recognized for their contributions to the Nepali community, with cultural performances presented by these artists.

In her closing remarks, Bindu Pariyar Thapa, current President of ADWAN, spoke emotionally about the organization’s long journey. “From being barred from temples to building temples of trust and empowerment—that is our journey,” she said. “But our path continues, and we need everyone’s voice to rise with us”.

The anniversary celebration was jointly moderated by Pradeep Pariyar Thapa and Shradda Thakuri.