About the Author(s)
Syeda Zamama Batool
Author is a student at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Through her academic work and personal initiatives, she strives to raise awareness about critical social issues and contribute to creating a more equitable future for Pakistan.
Pakistan is included among the world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change and faces a future of intensifying heatwaves, droughts, and floods. According to the climate change performance index Pakistan ranks 30th overall placing it among the medium performers (Bosse, 2024). These environmental conditions threaten livelihoods and ecosystems along with worsening existing social and economic inequalities. Climate change is a global crisis but its impacts are not felt equally. In Pakistan, traditional societal structures and gender inequalities clash with the environmental crisis leading to complex challenges for women. The relationship between women and climate tends to be overlooked especially within patriarchal countries including Pakistan. This often causes them to become marginalized during decision-making processes while also being burdened with traditional roles. Thus, women in Pakistan bear a disproportionate burden of climate change. They are the primary caregivers and responsible for securing food, water and fuel for their families. These tasks are made increasingly difficult by changing climate conditions. The limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities makes them more vulnerable to climate-related shocks and disasters. Despite all these difficulties Pakistani women are making space for themselves in various sectors including the world of climate action. Their efforts and contributions are ensuring a more positive, greener and sustainable future of Pakistan. This article highlights some of these remarkable women who are breaking stereotypes and inspiring others with their commitment to climate action.
Granaz Baloch
Granaz Baloch, from a small village in Balochistan is an inspiration for many women from remote areas. According to Ananke (2023) her life’s journey led her to become an educationist, climate activist, and water researcher. She has made it her life’s work to fight climate change and empower her community. She recognizes the necessity of taking climate change action because she lives in an area with limited electricity and solar power in the face of extreme temperatures. Her desire to amend these conditions sparks her work. While teaching at the University of Turbat, she introduced a course on “Climate Change and Us”, the first on the issue in any public university in Balochistan which has reached over 500 students in three semesters and continued to thrive even after Baloch’s departure from the university (Ananke, 2023). Her collaboration with initiatives like “Let’s Green Turbat” a tree planting campaign aimed at combating increasing temperatures also proves her commitment to fostering climate action. She has been featured in the book Climate Change Heroes by SOC Films in 2022 (Yusuf, 2022).
Ayesha Chundrigar
Ayesha Chundrigar, a dedicated animal rights activist became the light of hope for countless abused and injured animals of Pakistan. She is leading one of the biggest animal shelters of Pakistan, ACF Animal Rescue Shelter. Her compassion is not limited to just cats and dogs but extends to donkeys, sheeps and other various animals often overlooked and deprived of love. She partnered with her sister, Sonia, to launch Trio, a company that produces eco-friendly animal leashes and toys made from recycled ocean plastic. Each leash and toy is made from 85% recycled materials, with 0.25 kg of used fishnet incorporated into each product (Roger 2022). By utilizing discarded fishing nets, Trio helps clean the oceans, provides an alternative source of income for fishing communities, and reduces the demand for virgin plastic.The company also prioritizes social responsibility by employing and empowering women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through Trio, Chundrigar has created a closed loop system that benefits animals, the environment and marginalized communities. Ayesha’s multi- faceted efforts are positively contributing to both animals’ well being and environmental sustainability.
Sabiha Zaman
Sabiha Zaman has an immense role in biodiversity conservation, climate change awareness and women empowerment. Zaman’s journey began with a deep-seated passion for the forests and wildlife surrounding her native village. She joined WWF Pakistan as the organization’s first female field activist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, setting an example for women to take the lead. Her role at WWF Pakistan is voluntary, driven by her passion for protecting the forests and wildlife surrounding her native village. Collaborating with WWF Pakistan and Coca-Cola, Sabiha helps local communities to raise awareness about the perils of deforestation (Rizvi, 2017). She recognizes the profound impact deforestation has on local communities, particularly women. As they are often tasked with collecting water and firewood, the depletion of forests forces them to travel further distances. Sabiha’s leadership has been instrumental in encouraging eco-friendly alternatives and garnering community support for conservation. Sabiha is vocal about the disproportionate impact of deforestation on women in adjoining villages. Sabiha also has been featured in the book Climate Change Heroes by SOC Films in 2022 (Yusuf, 2022).
Hira Wajahat
Hira Wajahat, a business consultant and founder of Cleantech Republic is making way for women in the technology and business world. Recognizing the need for climate-focused initiatives in Pakistan, she partnered with Climate Launchpad, a competition facilitating clean-tech start-ups. Wajahat recognized that this program offered a unique opportunity to identify and nurture promising green innovations within Pakistan. The competition not only refines business models but also employs the Climate Impact Forecast tool for a comprehensive life cycle analysis, assessing the environmental impact of products or services (Shadab, n.d.). Her interest falls in clean technology, innovation, reduction of greenhouse gases and fostering green business ideas. Hira also actively engages as a business mentor and coach, providing useful insights to startups and new ventures. Some of the promising ventures she has supported include AABSHAR which produces water-optimizing nozzles that can reduce water wastage by up to 98% and Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins which promotes a circular economy model by offering composting services to customers, ensuring the eco-friendly disposal of their products (The woman behind the mission to bring a systemic sustainable enterprise to Pakistan, 2020) . She is one of the 3 women featured in the book Climate Change Heroes by SOC Films in 2022 (Yusuf, 2022).
Dr. Sarah Qureshi
Dr Sarah Qureshi, an aerospace engineer and an inspiration for women in STEM, has made significant efforts for sustainable technologies in Pakistan. She co-founded Pakistan’s first commercial aerospace company Aero Engine Craft Private Limited and was able to develop the world’s first contrail free aero engine for the purpose of reducing aviation induced global warming due to contrails (Dr Sarah Qureshi: Tackling the Biggest Environmental Issue You’ve Never Heard Of!, n.d.). Her research revealed the staggering scale of the issue: global contrails produce an estimated 2.5 billion tonnes of condensed water vapor annually, with a radiative forcing effect equivalent to 33% of worldwide electricity consumption (Dr Sarah Qureshi: Tackling the Biggest Environmental Issue You’ve Never Heard Of!, n.d.). Dr. Qureshi’s work challenges the aviation industry, which has historically enjoyed less stringent environmental regulations compared to other sectors like the automotive industry. Her company is also involved in the development of various other environmentally friendly innovations including various engines and green airlines in order to address sustainable development goals. Dr. Sarah Qureshi’s exceptional achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Distinguished Aerospace Alumna Award in 2020. Her work exemplifies the crucial role women scientists play in driving innovation for a greener future.
The examples of Granaz Baloch, Ayesha Chundrigar, Sabiha Zaman, Hira Wajahat, and Dr. Sarah Qureshi represent just a glimpse into the significant contributions of Pakistani women in the realm of climate action. Their resilience, innovation, and commitment showcase the transformative power of women in addressing environmental challenges. However, it’s necessary to acknowledge that these remarkable women are only a fraction of the many forgotten heroes working tirelessly across Pakistan. Countless others often disregarded are contributing to climate action, and their efforts should be celebrated and recognized.
References.
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Roger, S.(2022, August 22). Dog Leashes and Toys Made of Ocean Plastic Launched in Pakistan. ProPakistani. https://propakistani.pk/2022/08/22/dog-leashes-and-toys-made-of- ocean-plastic-launched-in-pakistan/
Rizvi, S. (2019, April 1). In Ayubia National Park: A story of women, leopards, and climate change. DAWN.COM. https://www.dawn.com/news/1338263/in-ayubia-national-park-a- story-of-women-leopards-and-climate-change
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