Addressing the challenges of environmental justice, climate change, and food security for rural women in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach that combines sustainable agricultural practices, socioeconomic empowerment, environmental conservation, and inclusive policymaking. By implementing these solutions, we can enhance the resilience of rural women, improve their livelihoods, and ensure a sustainable future for their communities.
This summer of 2024 in Pakistan has emerged as the hottest season in the last few decades while posing significant challenges and consequences, especially for rural women in Pakistan. This unprecedented heatwave has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and highlighted the urgent need for adaptive measures.
Due to extreme temperatures have led to widespread crop failures, reducing food availability and increasing food prices also water Stress and increased evaporation rates and reduced water availability have stressed irrigation systems, further diminishing crop yields.
Rural women, who often work long hours outdoors, are at heightened risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses causes malnutrition because reduced agricultural productivity exacerbates food insecurity, leading to malnutrition, particularly among women and children.
We need to review, re-align and re- adjust our policies and strategies to cope the situation, as climate resilient agriculture is crucial and sustainable farming practices will be promoting organic farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry to improve soil health and resilience to climate change.
We can introduce climate-smart technologies for drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient irrigation systems (like drip irrigation), and improved storage facilities to minimize post-harvest losses. In this regard, capacity building of community will play an important role as to provide training and extension services to rural women on climate-resilient agricultural techniques and sustainable practices.
Government, institutions and CSO can work together to enhance and scale up diversified livelihoods and encourage diversification of income sources through agro-processing, handicrafts, and small-scale enterprises to reduce dependency on agriculture.
In other way, nutritional programs for women health and life also implement at community-based level that educate women on balanced diets and provide access to micronutrient-rich foods. As a rural based economy, Pakistan needs to Invest in rural infrastructure like roads, storage facilities, and market linkages to enhance market access and reduce food wastage so that socioeconomic empowerment can be achieve right from grass root level.
CSOs can encourage community to manage natural resources to ensure sustainable use and conservation. A major component of the solution part is emphasis on Inclusive Policies to advocate for policies that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by rural women in the context of climate change and food security. As a advocacy matters , we make sure that rural women are represented in decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels.
Rural women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their dependence on agriculture and natural resources. They often lack access to the resources needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions. We need to work with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to develop policies that address the needs of rural women, also advocacy campaigns will play an important role to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive policies. Use media, social media, and public events to engage a wide audience.
Inclusive policies are crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women in the context of climate change and food security. By ensuring their representation in decision-making processes, we can develop more effective and equitable solutions. Advocacy efforts should focus on building the capacity of rural women, raising awareness about their needs, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement and monitor inclusive policies. This approach not only promotes gender equality but also enhances the resilience and sustainability of rural communities in Pakistan.
About Rooma Naz:
Rooma Naz is a dedicated social activist with a profound commitment to improving the lives of rural women in Pakistan. As an advocate for gender equality and social justice, Rooma has focused her efforts on addressing the unique challenges that rural women face due to climate change and food insecurity. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering women through inclusive policies and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes at all levels. She can access at roomana508@gmail.com
