Who we are
Vision and Mission
Just Futures Pahal (JFP) is a not-for-profit, government-recognized organization in Nepal committed to understanding and engendering new narratives on dignity, justice, equity, inclusive democracy, and sustainability through the prism of Jat (Caste). Dalit women will be the primary actors and focus of its work, in collaboration with Dalit men, gender and sexual minorities, other marginalized groups, and progressives from dominant castes worldwide. Dalit women’s lived experiences, love, aspirations, and leadership will be central to all JFP endeavors.
In advancing this foundational mandate, JFP actively works toward a world free from the violence, humiliation, and structural exclusions of the caste system. By centering the self-determination, intellectual sovereignty, and leadership of Dalit women, the institution ensures they play a critical— rather than invisibilized—role in anchoring equity, dignity, justice, inclusive democracy, and sustainable futures for all. JFP aims to establish a premier global ecosystem that centers Dalit women—including sexual and gender minorities who identify as Dalit women—as critical thinkers, knowledge producers, and movement-builders. By integrating diverse experiences at the grassroots with global academic rigor, JFP transforms everyday discourses on caste, gender, sexuality, and class.
Origins
Before Just Futures Pahal (JFP) was established, we spent over a decade holding critical conversations with activists and scholars on what is necessary to establish caste equity. Through these conversations, we understood that providing a safe space for the marginalized to share personal narratives and helping them disseminate this knowledge was a necessary step towards building understanding and empathy. Even amidst the marginalized, we were keenly aware that Dalit women are met with the least opportunities and face the most challenging of societal norms.
As a result of these conversations, JFP was successfully established in April 2023 to offer fellowships to Dalit women and help them become authors of their own narratives. Since then, JFP has worked tirelessly to create a dedicated faculty and team whose members work to support our fellows. We believe that Dalit women’s lived experiences and voices are essential to envision just futures and transformative possibilities.
Acknowledgments
Just Futures Pahal (JFP) extends its gratitude to numerous individuals and institutions – both national and international – who supported our journey. Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing this ambitious vision to life, from its conception, to the planning and implementation of our programs.
In particular, JFP would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Amar BK. After obtaining his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, Dr. BK joined the Samata Foundation as a senior researcher. He then served as a founding member of the Board of Directors of JFP and held the position of Executive Director until December 2023. We are deeply grateful to Dr. BK and his intellectual expertise, exceptional teaching skills, and his ability to provide a listening ear to our fellows. His contributions were paramount in the 18-month fellowship program, “Apan Katha Apnei Bunechhi” specifically designed for Madheshi Dalit women. We hope to continue the diligent work of Dr. BK and all those who have contributed to JFP.
