A/HCR//18/42 participate in both internal and external decision-making processes and institutions. There is still much to be done to address deficiencies. 37. Within many indigenous societies, women continue to have important decision- making roles, including in cultural and ceremonial events, where interaction, learning and intergenerational transfer of knowledge take place. Through these processes, women have the opportunity to empower themselves and others. Women also make important decisions daily with respect to farming and the choice of crops, as well as about the daily supply of food for the family, thus contributing to the livelihoods of families and communities. 38. Among the Naga women in north-east India, where indigenous communities continue to face conflict, indigenous women have been playing an important role as peacekeepers. Decisions made by the Naga women in tense situations have been acknowledged by many to have helped to diffuse conflicts and maintain peace.19 39. The Expert Mechanism received information about the Nupi Keithel – a traditional indigenous women’s market guild in Manipur, India – as an example of indigenous women’s participation in State decision-making, albeit through peaceful protest and agitation rather than through formalized processes to make the voice of indigenous women heard.20 The Nupi Keithel successfully fought for inclusion in governmental processes to consider the construction of a supermarket in the environs of the markets of the Nupi Keithel. As a result, and consistent with the demands of the Nupi Keithel women, a new building was constructed to house “their” market. IV. Participation in decision-making mechanisms linked to State and non-State institutions and processes affecting indigenous peoples A. Participation in parliamentary processes 40. According to information received in interviews with indigenous parliamentarians, it is important to refer to international norms on indigenous peoples’ rights and to educate and train majority legislators and parliamentary staff about indigenous issues.21 19 20 21 Submission by the Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact to the Expert Mechanism, “Good practices of indigenous peoples’ participation in decision making” (March 2011). Submission by the Centre for Organisation Research and Education to the Expert Mechanism, “Human rights and indigenous peoples” (1 March 2011). Elizabeth Powley, “Diversity in Parliament: listening to the voices of minorities and indigenous peoples”, Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNDP (2010). Available from www.ipu.org/splze/chiapas10/interview.pdf. 11