Pakistan is a land known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant natural wealth, stands among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, facing immense challenges despite its rich geographic diversity. According to UNDP report of 2023, the country faces escalating threats from extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and glacial melting. These are not just distant concerns—they affect everyday life, particularly in rural areas where agriculture, water resources, and livestock form the backbone of livelihoods. Climate change has become a daily reality, making survival in these regions increasingly difficult.

Amid these environmental challenges, women in Pakistan are particularly vulnerable, yet they are also vital to the solution. According to the World Bank Blog published in 2022, women in rural areas play key roles in managing natural resources, from tending crops to conserving water, positioning them as crucial actors in combating climate change. Despite their contributions, women often lack access to education, resources, and leadership opportunities needed to build climate resilience. Empowering women through education and capacity building is essential if Pakistan is to create a greener and more sustainable future.
The Vital Link between Women and Nature
Envision a woman, a farmer in rural Sindh, Pakistan. Each day, she rises before dawn to tend to her family’s small farm, managing crops, caring for livestock, and ensuring there is enough water and firewood for the day. Her routine reflects the lives of countless women in rural Pakistan, who are deeply connected to the natural resources around them. They gather water from rivers and wells, collect firewood from nearby forests, and use their knowledge of local ecosystems to grow food and support their families.
Yet this close connection to the environment also makes women vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. During droughts, she must walk farther to find water. When floods wipe out crops, there are women  who with stand the worst of rebuilding their livelihoods. Climate change not only increases their already heavy workloads but also threatens their families’ food security.
Women are powerful agents of change. Their deep connection to the environment empowers them with the insights and determination to embrace sustainable practices that can alleviate the effects of climate change and foster resilience. To harness this potential, women need access to education, training, and leadership opportunities that will empower them to develop the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing climate.
Women Leading the Way in Sustainability
In Pakistan, an increasing  number of  women are taking on leadership roles in local decision-making processes focused on environmental conservation. These women are ensuring that sustainability becomes a key focus in households and communities alike, helping to promote eco-friendly practices and foster climate resilience. Their leadership not only benefits the environment, but also empowers other women to take charge of their futures.
One of the most inspiring examples of female leadership in sustainability is Dr. Shad Begum, a renowned advocate for renewable energy technologies in rural Pakistan. Through her work, she has empowered women by providing training in sustainable farming practices and renewable energy solutions, enabling them to improve their livelihoods while protecting the environment. By promoting renewable energy, she is helping rural communities reduce their dependence on traditional, environmentally harmful energy sources like firewood and fossil fuels.
Another powerful example is Rubaab Shah, who leads the Hunar Madar initiative, a movement dedicated to empowering women through skill development in sustainability, climate change, livestock management, kitchen gardening etc. Through this initiative, women are acquiring the technical skills to launch eco-friendly businesses. By equipping rural women with tools to contribute directly to climate resilience, Rubaab is working to shift the challenges of economic violence towards economic security of women in her community. Additionally, Sherry Rehman, a prominent human rights advocate and climate policy leader, is shaping Pakistan’s national and global climate dialogues. She advocates for policies that address both gender equality and environmental sustainability. International figures like Wangari Maathai and Greta Thunberg also inspire Pakistani women, showing that grassroots movements can spark real, transformative change.
Empowering Women through Education
The key to empowering women to take on leadership roles in climate action lies in education. In Pakistan, education is not only a tool for raising awareness about climate issues but also a way to equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to take action. When women and girls are educated, they become better prepared to lead their communities in adopting sustainable practices that address the challenges of climate change.
Promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education for women and girls in Pakistan is particularly crucial for fostering innovation in climate technologies and green solutions. By encouraging young women to pursue STEM subjects, Pakistan can cultivate a new generation of female innovators who can develop the technologies and solutions needed to tackle the country’s most pressing environmental challenges. These women will be the engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who lead the way in creating sustainable, climate-resilient solutions.
Several programs in Pakistan are already working to empower women through education. UN Women’s initiatives, for example, provide women with training on sustainable practices such as clean energy solutions, water conservation, waste management. These community-based programs equip women with the tools they need to implement climate-friendly practices that improve environmental sustainability and drive economic development. In rural areas, where access to formal education can be limited, these training programs are a lifeline for women looking to improve their families’ lives while also protecting the environment.
Women who receive training in eco-friendly entrepreneurship are also driving sustainable development in Pakistan. By starting businesses focused on organic farming, waste recycling, or renewable energy, women are not only contributing to the fight against climate change but also advancing gender equality. As more women become entrepreneurs, they are creating jobs, generating income, and helping to lift their families and communities out of poverty.
Grassroots Movements and Digital Solutions
Across Pakistan, women are leading grassroots’ movements that focused on climate resilience. For example, women in Sindh and Balochistan are at the forefront of water conservation efforts, managing agricultural resources in regions where droughts are becoming more frequent. By using traditional knowledge and modern techniques, they are finding ways to conserve water, protect crops, and ensure that their communities can survive in a changing climate.
Digital platforms and mobile apps are also playing an increasingly important role in empowering women to take part in climate action. In remote areas, where formal education and training programs may be scarce, mobile apps provide women with access to information about climate solutions. These platforms allow women to connect with other climate advocates, share knowledge, and learn about sustainable practices that they can implement in their communities.
One inspiring example of this is Roshaneh Zafar, who founded the Kashf Foundation to provide women with access to microfinance. Through the foundation, women have received the financial support they need to start eco-friendly businesses and implement sustainable practices in their communities. This financial independence is critical for women like Amina, who need access to resources to adopt and sustain eco-friendly practices that benefit both their families and the environment.
The Barriers to Women’s Involvement in Climate Action
Despite their potential, women in Pakistan face many barriers when it comes to taking part in climate action. Gender inequality remains a significant hurdle, particularly in rural areas where cultural norms often limit women’s access to education and decision-making roles. Overcoming these challenges will require a concerted effort to promote gender equality and dismantle the societal norms that prevent women from participating fully in climate solutions.
Women-led initiatives, however, are making a difference. In drought-stricken regions like Sindh and Balochistan, women are leading efforts in water conservation and sustainable farming to adapt to the changing environment. By engaging women in climate resilience strategies, these regions can better adapt to climate-induced disasters and become more self-reliant.
Women must also be involved in shaping climate policy. Their experiences and insights are critical to ensuring that climate policies are both inclusive and effective. Without their voices, we risk developing solutions that do not address the real needs of those most affected by climate change.
Empowering women through education and capacity building is key to addressing Pakistan’s climate challenges. When women are equipped with the tools and knowledge to take on leadership roles in their communities, they become powerful agents of change, driving sustainable development and building resilience against the impacts of climate change. By investing in women’s education, skills, and leadership, Pakistan can pave the way for a greener, more resilient future—one in which women are at the forefront of climate solutions, driving positive change for themselves, their communities, and the environment. HH

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