akistan faces a serious water scarcity crisis predicted to become a grave concern for the country in a few years. The water crisis is linked to the poor management of water resources. The problem is exacerbated by climate change. It has far-reaching consequences for water infrastructure, the country’s economy and the lives of people, particularly vulnerable groups like women in rural areas.

Efforts are being made at numerous levels to limit the effects of the water crisis through inclusive measures like gender-centred initiatives and nature-based solutions with the hope of coping with the situation and creating a more resilient future.

Pakistan’s water scarcity crisis has reached a critical juncture. Per capita availability of water has declined drastically. The projections paint a bleak future of absolute scarcity by 2025. The Indus basin waters face challenges from both internal and external actors. At the same time, with very little contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces multiple climate change effects in the form of floods and droughts that are eroding its GDP growth.

Pakistan has experienced a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. The floods of 2010 and 2012, as well as the recent 2022 floods, have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, displaced millions of people and resulted in significant economic losses.

Women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change on water resources, intensifying their traditional roles and vulnerabilities in rural areas. Recent floods have drastically affected the infrastructure in Sindh. Where people were already facing water scarcity, low production from agricultural lands and other challenges, loss and damage from the flood has aggravated the problems.

In many rural communities, women and girls are forced to walk to distant water sources. This burden leads to physical strain and the emergence of health issues. Many of the water sources are contaminated. This causes waterborne diseases, excessively affecting women, children and the elderly.

The time spent on water collection limits opportunities for education and economic activity. Many girls miss school and women have less time for income-generating activities. Domestic violence and sexual harassment around the activity have been reported.

The scarce water is used for cooking, cleaning and caring for family members. The inclusion of women in water management can empower them, give them leadership opportunities and a bigger voice in community-based decisions.

Pakistan is taking comprehensive measures to address climate change’s impact on water resources. Initiatives like the National Adaptation Plan prioritise integrating climate adaptation into policies, with investments in climate resilience and community-led adaptation. Nature-based solutions, such as the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Programme, demonstrate a holistic approach to resilience.

The government of Sindh has launched innovative initiatives to tackle the impacts of climate change on water resources, with a keen focus on alleviating challenges encountered by women. Through targeted endeavours such as women-centric water projects, the government aims to address the uneven impact of water scarcity on women by providing clean water, developing access points nearer to residential areas and empowering them to engage in water management decisions.

Climate-resilient agriculture programmes are offering training and resources to female farmers, supporting them in adapting to evolving environmental conditions and sustaining their livelihoods.

By championing gender-responsive policies and promoting women’s involvement in decision-making processes related to water management, the government is trying to ensure that women are not only shielded from the adverse impacts of climate change but also empowered to contribute substantially to resilience-building endeavours. These multifaceted efforts underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the nexus of climate change, water resource management and gender equality.

This year’s World Water Day celebration, with its theme of Water for Peace, is a reminder that sustainable initiatives offer hope for a future where water is accessible to all, transforming lives, especially those of women and girls.

Addressing climate change, water resources and gender equality issues requires political will and community engagement to ensure resilience and well-being for all.

As effects of climate change continue to escalate, it is imperative to address the root causes of the global crisis. Countries that have historically contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions bear a significant responsibility in mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable nations like Pakistan.

Immediate as well as ambitious steps should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy and implementation of sustainable practices to reduce fossil fuel use.

In addition, the commitments to provide financial assistance and support to developing countries like Pakistan for climate mitigation and adaptation measures, which include technology transfer and capacity building, must be fulfilled. It is important to prioritise initiatives that enhance the resilience of women, girls and vulnerable communities in Pakistan and other affected regions. Investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness and sustainable development can initiate downstream improvements. At the same time recognising the principle of climate justice, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries least responsible for its causes, and committing to equitable solutions that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable populations is crucial.

By taking bold and decisive actions, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all nations, including Pakistan.

This call to action emphasises the urgency of addressing climate change while highlighting the specific challenges faced by Pakistan and other vulnerable countries. It encourages major emitters to fulfill their responsibilities and support global efforts to combat climate change.

The writer is a gender expert and a development professional. She can be reached at email: sanakhanzada4@gmail.com and at X SanaSRahimoo.