Citizenship Affected People’s Network (CAPN), on October 5th 2026, brought together citizenship-affected individuals, community advocates (Sahayatris), young legal professionals, researchers, lawyers, and allies for an Affected Individuals Convening on the Advocacy Plan: Risks and Opportunities in Advancing Gender-Equal Citizenship Rights in Lalitpur.

The convening created a space to reflect on eleven years since the 2015 Constitution, examine the gaps between law and practice, and identify what needs to change—from discriminatory legal provisions and administrative barriers to the stigma and risks faced by those who speak out. Participants emphasized that implementation, accountability, capacity-building, and empathy must be immediate priorities, while long-term change requires a citizenship framework that treats mothers and fathers equally.

Most importantly, the day reaffirmed a simple principle: lived experience is evidence. The people who have carried the consequences of discriminatory citizenship laws must remain at the centre of shaping the solutions. Their experiences, concerns, and recommendations will now inform the upcoming Expert Consultation and Policy Dialogue with government stakeholders.

The conversation does not end here. It moves forward—with those most affected still at the table.