Adhikaar
Luna Ranjit, Rashmi Shrestha, Srijana Shrestaha & Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, Co-Founders
Adhikaar is the first a women-led organization committed to the well-being and development of the Nepali community in New York City. Adhikaar, meaning “rights,” seeks to promote human rights and social justice in Nepali communities by facilitating access to information and resources on immigration, health, workers' and women's rights; organizing against social injustices and human rights abuses; and conducting policy research and advocacy.
About 30,000 Nepalis live in the New York area with the largest population in Queens. Adhikaar’s Jankari (Knowledge) Project conducted a community needs assessment, and its findings identified key areas of concern: 1) access to affordable healthcare, 2) workers’ rights, and 3) immigration reform. Through its Swastha Samudaya (Healthy Community) Campaign, Adhikaar provides free health fairs, screenings and prevention workshops. Other programs include workers’ rights trainings, and beginner and intermediate English-as-a-Second-Language classes. Adhikaar also participates in local and national coalitions and campaigns seeking immigration reform.