akistan is faced with a water scarcity crisis, which is predicted to become a grave concern for the country. The water crisis is also linked to poor management of water resources exacerbated by climate change. This has far-reaching consequences for water infrastructure, the country’s economy and the lives of people, particularly livelihoods of 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-inclusive initiatives and nature-based solutions with the hope of coping with the situation and creating a more resilient future. One such effort was made on the World Water Day under the theme of Water for Peace.

Pakistan’s water scarcity crisis has reached a critical juncture, with per capita availability of water declining drastically. The projections paint a bleak future of absolute scarcity by 2025. Despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces multiple climate change effects in the form of floods and droughts.

Pakistan has experienced a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. The floods of 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well as the recent 2022 floods, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, displaced millions of people and resulted in significant economic losses.

Women in Pakistan are disproportionately affected by the impact of climate change on water resources, intensifying their traditional roles and vulnerabilities, particularly in rural areas. The 2022 floods drastically scratched the water infrastructure in Sindh. Many people in rural Sindh were already facing water scarcity and low productivity of agricultural lands.

In many rural communities of Pakistan, especially in Sindh, women and girls have the primary responsibility for collecting water. This often requires long walks to distant water sources that are a major drain on their time and energy. This burden on women and girls leads to physical strain and results in many health issues. Many of water sources are contaminated, which causes waterborne diseases, excessively affecting women, children and the elderly.

The time spent on water collection limits the opportunities for education and economic activity. Many girls miss school and women have less time for income-generating activities. Cases of sexual harassment have also been reported by women collecting water from distant places.

This limited supply of water is used for cooking, cleaning and caring for family members. The inclusion of women in water management can empower them, providing with leadership opportunities and a voice in community-based decision-making.

Government commitment and community involvement can help ensure resilience and well-being for all in the face of environmental challenges.

Pakistan is taking comprehensive measures to address the impacts of climate change 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 also 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-centred 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 endeavors to ensure that women are not only shielded from the adverse impacts of climate change but also empowered to contribute substantially to resilience-building. These efforts underscore the government’s dedication to addressing the nexus of climate change, water resources and gender equality.

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

Government commitment and community involvement can help address climate change, water resources and gender equality issues.

As effects of climate change continue to escalate, it is imperative for us to address the root causes of this 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 steps should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy and to implement 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 essential 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 are also needed. 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 development professional. She writes on women’s issues and protection of their rights. She can be reached at: sanakhanzada4@gmail.com and at X SanaSRahimoo