Umadevi Badi
Uma Devi Badi, a member of the Steering Committee of the Just Futures Initiative, is a prominent name not only in the Badi rights movement but also in the struggle for social change. A leader of the Badi community, Uma Devi has fought against the caste system ingrained in Nepali society and the laws designed by the state based on that system, which have subjected the Badi community to decades of oppression and humiliation.
She has led the fight against the exploitation and humiliation of the Badi community, advocated for the abolition of the forced sex trade imposed on the community, demanded permanent housing and land rights, campaigned for birth registration and citizenship in the mother's name, and worked towards ending caste-based untouchability and discrimination. Her leadership in these struggles has played a vital role in raising the dignity of the Badi community.
Born on July 1, 1964 (Ashar 17, 2021 BS) in Salyan, Uma Devi was able to pursue formal education only up to the 8th grade due to challenging circumstances, but she excelled through the "university of life's struggles." Her life, including her inter-caste love, marriage, and personal experiences, has been full of struggles. As she says, "I don't have a degree in education; I have a degree in pain," her life reflects the profound narrative of suffering endured not only by the Badi community but also by Dalit and women communities.
In 2007 (2064 BS), after a 48-day Kathmandu-centered protest by the Badi community, Uma Devi became a symbol of resistance and a flag-bearer for social and political movements fighting against oppression and humiliation on behalf of all marginalized communities.
Uma Devi made history by becoming the first Member of Parliament from the Badi community, elected through the proportional representation system in Province 7 from the Nepali Congress party. As a provincial lawmaker, she remains actively engaged in political life while also striving for meaningful representation and dignified living for Dalit women in all aspects of social life. She is committed to ensuring their active participation in producing knowledge and creating narratives of lived experiences.