Climate Change and Human Security: Women at the Frontlines of Environmental Crisis in Pakistan

Abstract

This research explores the intersection of climate change and human security, with a specific focus on the gendered impacts of environmental crises in Pakistan. Climate change, a growing global threat, has profound implications not only for the environment but also for human well-being and national security. While its effects are widespread, this study emphasizes how women, especially those in rural and marginalized regions, are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Despite being at the forefront of climate adaptation, women’s roles and contributions in these contexts are often overlooked in formal policy and climate governance frameworks. Drawing on Human Security and Ecofeminist theories, this study reframes climate change as a gendered issue of human security, examining how women lived experiences shape their responses to environmental crises. Through an intersectional approach, this research analyzes the vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities of women in Pakistan, considering factors such as socio-economic status, geography, and gender norms. The study highlights the crucial role of women in managing natural resources, leading community-based adaptation efforts, and promoting resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. The findings reveal significant gaps in the integration of gender in Pakistan's climate policies and governance, pointing to the lack of gender-disaggregated data, the underrepresentation of women in decision-making processes, and limited access to climate finance. The study advocates for more inclusive, gender-responsive climate governance, calling for the recognition of women as key agents in climate resilience and adaptation strategies. It also provides recommendations for strengthening institutional frameworks, improving gender-sensitive climate policies, and empowering women at the local level to foster a more equitable and sustainable response to climate change.