WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE: THE ROLE OF PAKISTANI WOMEN IN SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Women’s empowerment and climate change concerns are interconnected and increasingly need to be sought in the context of sustainability issues in Pakistan, where the environmental degradation of the region goes hand-in-hand with the gender inequality. Pakistani women, rural women in particular, are affected most by climate change as they are the ones responsible for agricultural activities, fetching of water, and managing household resources. Such tasks put them at the forefront of climate change effects such as water stress, decreasing agricultural production, and natural calamities. Even though these women play an important role in managing key resources, she is often pushed outside of climate-related decision-making processes, which would enable her to make sufficient contributions to climate adaptation and mitigation processes. The situation is made all the more complex by the fact that Pakistan is an environmentally vulnerable country bearing the brunt of impacts which include heat wave, floods and drought. These environmental stresses pose livelihood threats to millions of people but disparately impact women due to their already poorer baseline socioeconomic conditions. Economic and social stresses and resource scarcity as a climate change adverse impact further aggravates many women because food insecurity, mal-nutrition and being forced to migrate become her reality after an environmental disaster. Real solutions to these situations can only be developed through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond climate resilience towards equipping women to be leaders as they design solutions to the sustainability problems. Providing education, advancing economic prospects, and engaging women in climate leadership will further sustainable development and strengthen resilience to climate change in Pakistan. Women’s roles in management of the environment and community efforts are important in research and practice. Furthermore, their participation in climate change action, especially at the grassroots level, can foster more inclusive, just, and durable measures. Alternatively, gender perspectives that enable women to play active roles in sustainability as central actors should be incorporated in climate policies. Women’s empowerment is critical and must be addressed in Pakistan’s climate change mitigation strategies. The women in this country can be involved in decision-making, education, and leadership opportunities which will create a more gender equal and a more climate resilient society. Women’s empowerment is not only an issue of equity but critical in addressing sustainable development in a climate-vulnerable country.

Keywords: Women’s Empowerment, Climate Change, Sustainability, Pakistan, Gender Equality, Climate Action, Rural Women