Dignity Initiative is a Kathmandu-based not-for-profit, not-government organization, which
works on knowledge production on the issues of social exclusion and human rights with a special
focus one Dalit. The Dalit community shares 13.2 percent of the total national population of
Nepal. They are politically excluded, economically deprived, and socio-culturally discriminated.
They have been struggling for more than seventy years to claim Dalit as equal as other human
beings.

The foundation of political-economic governance structure in Nepal stands on the discriminatory
caste system. Such hegemonic system has contributed in the caste-based power-relation in all
sectors of the state. Knowledge production tradition in Nepal is predominantly casteist that seeks
for institutionalizing the hierarchical caste system; rare academic interventions have been made
to counter the dominant narratives.

Dignity Initiative aims to counter the dominant narratives highlighting the pertinent issues of
Dalit and those of marginalized community. The organization further aims to backstop Dalit
movement through research, knowledge production, academic activism and policy advocacy and
ensure the dignified life of the Dalit community. In addition, it strives to provide alternative
narratives through wider public discourse, and building critical masses to change the caste-based
power relations.

Dignity Initiative is committed to amplify Dalit voices and work to hold the state accountable to
ensure the implementation of constitutionally guaranteed Dalit rights. To this end, Dignity
Initiative collaborates with the national and international organizations, universities, intellectuals,
researchers, academics, analysts, and activists.