Women’s leadership vital for climate resilience, sustainable growth

2026-03-08 - 20:54

Recognizing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women and their vital role in addressing environmental challenges, media spokesperson and climate policy advocacy expert Muhammad Saleem Shaikh on Sunday said Pakistan’s climate policy framework emphasizes empowering women as central actors in climate action, sustainable natural resource management and community resilience. As the country faces increasing climate risks ranging from floods and droughts to heatwaves and water stress, strengthening women’s participation in climate governance and socio-economic development has become a critical policy priority, he said on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8 each year. “Empowering women is essential for building climate resilience, achieving sustainable development and strengthening communities across Pakistan,” the ministry spokesperson said. This year’s International Women’s Day theme announced by the United Nations -“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” – calls for removing discriminatory laws and practices, ensuring access to justice for women and girls, and translating commitments on gender equality into concrete action. A widely-recognized campaign theme for 2026, “Give to Gain,” highlights the idea that investing in women’s empowerment produces broader social and economic benefits. The campaign encourages governments, institutions and communities to support women’s education, leadership and economic participation to close gender gaps in decision-making, employment and social opportunities. Shaikh said the theme strongly resonates with cultural values of generosity and collective progress.