The State of Funding for Indigenous Women
The Indigenous Women’s Movement and Its Ongoing Journey
Indigenous women have long led movements for justice, culture, and the environment—yet their work remains deeply underfunded. This page traces the rise of the Indigenous Women’s movement, key milestones like the Beijing Declaration and CEDAW’s Recommendation No. 39, and ongoing challenges. Understanding this journey is essential to supporting their leadership and advancing their rights.
The Rise of the Indigenous Women’s Movement
Despite decades of advocacy, Indigenous Women’s organizations remain underfunded. From the 1995 Beijing Declaration to CEDAW’s 2022 recognition of their rights, their movement has made historic strides—but urgent funding gaps persist.
The Funding Gap for Indigenous Women
Indigenous Women receive disproportionately low funding despite their critical role in environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community development. Only received $392 million (1.4%) of the $28.5 billion of global grants supporting women and girls are directed toward Indigenous Women’s organizations.
Who is Receiving the Funds?
The majority of funding for Indigenous Women does not go directly to their organizations. Instead, most funds are funneled through non-Indigenous intermediaries, reducing the impact on grassroots initiatives.
Barriers to Accessing Funding
Indigenous Women’s organizations face obstacles such as complex application processes, lack of direct funding channels, and limited institutional capacity. These barriers prevent sustainable, long-term investment in their initiatives.
The Power of Core Funding
Flexible, long-term and non-restricted funding allows Indigenous Women’s organizations and networks to build capacity, strengthen leadership, and implement sustainable solutions. Core funding supports autonomy rather than dependency.
Global Distribution of Indigenous Women’s Organizations
Indigenous women’s organizations exist worldwide, but funding is unevenly distributed, with regions like Asia and Africa receiving disproportionately low support.
Investing in Indigenous Women’s Leadership
 Funding Indigenous Women’s organizations empower them to advocate for their rights, protect and preserve their cultures, traditions, and languages, and lead community-driven solutions that advance social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental justice. Supporting their leadership not only strengthens their communities but also fosters sustainable, equitable development, ensuring that Indigenous Women play a central role in shaping a just and resilient future for all.