Experts Call for Gender-Sensitive Climate Policies to Protect Women’s Health Post-Disasters

ISLAMABAD: In a critical policy discussion on gender and climate change, experts from diverse fields gathered to emphasize the urgent need for gender-sensitive policies, particularly focusing on women’s health in Pakistan following climatic disasters. The forum, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), spotlighted the growing challenges faced by women, especially in vulnerable regions like Pakistan, and the necessity for tailored solutions in disaster management and health response.

The session was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Tahir, UNFPA’s Humanitarian Resilience Coordinator, who emphasized that climate change is a harsh reality requiring immediate policy action. He underscored the rising health complications, particularly reproductive health issues, exacerbated by extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods. Dr. Tahir also highlighted how climate-induced displacement, stress, and air pollution are worsening the situation for women, resulting in anxiety, school dropouts, and even forced marriages for young girls.

Aisha Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, addressed the distinct needs of women during climate-related disasters. She called for the inclusion of women’s health needs in disaster preparedness, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), and access to clean water. She also stressed the vital role of grassroots civil society in shaping climate policies, advocating for a shift in how Pakistani women are portrayed – not as victims but as empowered individuals.

Dr. Hadia Majid, Associate Professor at LUMS, presented research findings on the devastating effects of floods and droughts on women in Pakistan. Her research revealed a significant rise in gender-based violence and challenges women face in accessing maternity care. Dr. Majid pointed out gaps in current policies concerning SRH and family planning during disasters and urged for better inter-agency coordination and gender-responsive strategies.

Dr. Rafi Amir-ud-Din from COMSATS University reported a shocking 91% increase in GBV cases in flood-affected districts, calling for stronger policy implementation, legislative changes, and improved coordination to address SRH and GBV needs during disasters. He stressed that these issues remain largely unaddressed in current disaster management frameworks.

Dr. Rasheed Ahmed, Program Analyst for Humanitarian Affairs at UNFPA, emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on women’s health, especially in vulnerable communities. He highlighted how climate events like heatwaves, flooding, and droughts limit women’s access to healthcare, food, and clean water, increasing their risk of malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and heat-related illnesses. As primary caregivers, women in low-income regions are more exposed to these risks while simultaneously facing barriers to seeking medical assistance.

Dr. Ahmed also pointed out that climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities, with pregnant women facing higher risks of maternal complications. He called for policies that integrate women’s health in climate adaptation strategies and strengthen their resilience through healthcare, education, and participation in climate-related decision-making.

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The event concluded with Dr. Tahir’s call for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing women’s health as a global development indicator. He stressed the importance of collective action from local communities, policymakers, academia, and international partners to create resilient, gender-sensitive climate policies. The forum underscored the urgent need to integrate gender considerations into disaster response and climate finance to protect the health and well-being of women in the face of climate change.