GENDER disparities in Pakistan’s climate policies disproportionately affect women, especially those from marginalized communities, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate change impacts. Despite comprising half the population, women face limited participation in decision-making. This exacerbates the climate crisis, with older males often holding decision-making power. Bangladesh’s example highlights how gender disparities hinder climate resilience. Pakistan’s low rankings in global gender indices underscore the urgent need for inclusive policies.
Patriarchal influence historically hindered Pakistan’s climate decision-making, but initiatives led by Sherry Rehman, former Federal Minister for Climate Change, aimed to enhance resilience. Her advocacy, including pushing for a Loss & Damage Fund at COP27, stressed adaptation urgency. Despite the 18th Amendment granting responsibility to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for women’s vulnerabilities, gender disparities persist. The National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) emphasizes adaptation and mitigation, and the Climate Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP) seeks women’s empowerment in decision-making. However, implementation gaps hinder women’s inclusion, highlighting the need for effective gender integration to foster equitable policies.
Gender disparities in climate policies are exacerbated by inadequate funding for programs promoting women’s involvement, empowerment, and education. This limitation restricts women’s ability to influence policy and effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities. Cultural barriers also hinder women’s participation in public and decision-making spaces, rooted in traditional gender roles that confine them to domestic responsibilities. Additionally, the dominance of hegemonic masculinity perpetuates the belief that decision-making is a male domain, further marginalizing women in climate policy discussions. In contrast, Rwanda has implemented inclusive policies prioritizing women’s participation in climate decision-making, exemplified by initiatives like FONERWA. This approach has significantly contributed to Rwanda’s progress in climate resilience and sustainable development, demonstrating the importance of women’s inclusion in climate action efforts.
According to Pakistan’s First Biennial Update Report submitted to UNFCCC in April 2022, women’s vulnerability may increase as a result of existing gender gaps in Pakistan’s social structures and the country’s climate change policies failing to pay adequate attention to them. In contrast, Sweden has taken a comprehensive approach to gender equality in climate change policies. They have implemented gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring that resources are allocated to address gender disparities in climate-related initiatives. Sweden has also focused on training programs to empower women in climate-related sectors and promote their leadership roles.
Existing policies, including the National Climate Change Policy and the Climate Change Gender Action Plan, show commitments to gender equality, but their implementation is hindered by inadequate budgeting, absence of gender-categorized data, and cultural barriers that limit women’s active involvement. The lack of gender-disaggregated data across various social, political, economic, and environmental issues is a significant challenge. Without data specifically collected on the impacts of climate change on gender, policymakers may not be fully aware of the potential dangers that climate change poses to women.
It is crucial for academics and policy experts to have accurate analysis of existing issues, as this forms the basis for crafting effective policy options and evaluating their impact. By prioritizing the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data, we can better understand the specific needs and challenges faced by women in relation to climate change, and create more targeted and impactful policies. Moreover, policymakers can ensure women’s perspectives are included by implementing gender-responsive policies. Creating platforms for women’s involvement in climate change decision-making, providing training, and establishing quotas can help bridge the gender gap. Additionally, fostering an inclusive environment is essential to overcome resistance to change.
—The writer, an MPhil scholar, is associated with Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi.
