Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with far-reaching impacts on the environment, economies, and societies worldwide. While efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change often focus on technological solutions and policy interventions, there is growing recognition of the importance of addressing social inequalities, including gender inequality. Gender equality and climate change are deeply interconnected. Women and men experience climate change differently due to existing gender inequalities, social norms, and power dynamics. Women, particularly in developing countries, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change due to their roles as primary caregivers, reliance on natural
resources for their livelihoods, and limited access to resources and decision-making processes.
“Pakistan is one of the countries experiencing the most severe climate change
consequences, costing the economy $38 billion annually. Additionally, the
World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index highlights Pakistan’s position
among the countries with the most significant gender gaps. The gender-
climate nexus presents an opportunity to address both areas.”
Pakistan acknowledged the nexus between gender and the environment in its National Conservation Strategy, adopted in 1992. This was followed by the National Climate Change Policy, adopted in 2021, whose goal is to ‘ensure that climate change is mainstreamed in the economically and socially vulnerable sectors of the economy, and to steer Pakistan towards climate compatible development’. Using this as a basis, the Climate Change Gender Action Plan (2022) identifies key steps that underlie the need to incorporate a role for women in the decision-making process.
Women can be pivotal as sustainable consumers, decision-makers, and climate leaders in the business community. Integrating women’s unique perspectives is important to pursuing effective and innovative climate mitigation and adaptation strategies and managing climate-associated events. Integrating gender considerations into climate policies and programs is essential for ensuring their effectiveness and equity. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs, priorities, and capacities of women and men, governments and organizations can design more inclusive and sustainable interventions. Women are powerful agents of change in addressing climate change. By providing women with opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, societies can harness their talents and perspectives to develop innovative solutions and drive progress towards climate resilience and sustainability.
Promoting gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a critical solution for addressing climate change. By empowering women, fostering inclusive policies and programs, and addressing gender-based inequalities, we can build more resilient and sustainable communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate. As we work towards a more equitable and sustainable future, let us recognize the integral role of gender equality in achieving climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Thank you
Prof. Dr. Madeeha Malik
Executive Director, GIPI