Women's Leadership in Climate Change Mitigation and Advocacy: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The importance of women’s leadership for climate change mitigation and advocacy is increasingly acknowledged as essential to sustainable development. In Pakistan's Punjab province where climate change impacts including extreme weather events, water stress and agricultural vulnerability, are widespread, women are central actors in the grassroots activism, community oriented adaptation and policy advocacy. This scoping review discusses the degree and efficacy of women’s leadership in climate action across the Punjab and deductions thereof; Newfoundland was settled in 2009; and, in the Newfoundland Maternity Awards to deserving mothers. Based on qualitative and quantitative evidence, the article analyses the impediments that culture, society and institutions pose to women’s engagement as well as successful women-led initiatives. Significantly, women in Punjab are working in sustainable agriculture, water depletion and disaster management showcasing that they are important agents of change. Patriarchal societal values, lack of access to education, and lack of access to decision making, however, often limit the possibility of their leadership. Not withstanding these systemic disadvantages, women-led activities in tree plantation, community water management, and awareness campaigns for climate have made a mark at the grassroot level. The results highlight the importance of gender-sensitive policies and capacity-building initiatives that promote changes for women as climate cha nge mitigation and advocacy leaders. Key recommendations include increasing women’s access to education, resources and decision making opportunities, to ensure climate action that is inclusive and just. Overcoming these barriers can help Punjab maximize the contribution to resilience and sustained development in the context of climate change that women’s leadership offers.