s COP29 drew to a close in Azerbaijan, the conference left behind a mix of hope, frustration and unfinished business. The familiar promises of urgent action were made, but one issue remained glaringly unresolved - the continued exclusion of women and gender-diverse individuals from climate leadership. Only 40 per cent of the participants at COP29 were women or gender-diverse people. The representation of women among country delegations was even more disheartening, standing at a mere 35 per cent. These numbers are more than a statistical anomaly; they are a reflection of deeply entrenched systemic barriers that undermine the inclusivity and effectiveness of global climate negotiations.

The truth is, climate change is not gender-neutral. Women, particularly in vulnerable regions, bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. They are the ones who walk farther to fetch water in drought-stricken areas; who lose their livelihoods when crops fail; and who face heightened risks during displacement. Despite this, their voices are often drowned out in spaces where the decisions affecting their lives are made. This exclusion is not only a moral failing but a practical one. The evidence is clear: when women are involved in leadership, outcomes are more equitable, inclusive and sustainable. Yet, at COP29, the progress promised under the Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender has been painfully slow. The same resistance to gender-focused language and principles has plagued other UN platforms this year.

This leads to an uncomfortable but necessary question: can we truly tackle the global climate crisis without gender parity? The answer is a resounding no. Women bring unique perspectives and priorities to the table, shaped by their lived experiences and often rooted in community-based solutions. Studies have shown that countries with greater gender balance in their parliaments are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and adopt ambitious climate policies. This is not a coincidence. Female leaders worldwide have championed sustainability initiatives with a focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term political gains. From Jacinda Ardern’s carbon neutrality goals for New Zealand to the renewable energy expansions led by women in countries like Denmark and Sweden, their leadership offers a blueprint for transformative change.

Gender parity in leadership is not just about statistics or token representation. It is about creating a culture where diverse voices are not just heard but valued. This requires addressing the structural barriers that prevent women from rising to positions of power, both globally and within individual nations. The idea that women alone hold the solution to the climate crisis is, of course, overly simplistic. But it is equally misguided to ignore the wealth of evidence demonstrating that inclusive leadership leads to better outcomes for everyone.

This issue feels particularly urgent for Pakistan, a country that stands on the frontline of climate vulnerability. The catastrophic floods of 2022 were a stark reminder of the human and economic toll of climate change. Millions were displaced, and the rebuilding process remains painfully slow. Yet, despite being one of the nations most affected by climate change, Pakistan’s climate governance continues to overlook the critical role of women. Women here are not just passive victims; they are active agents of resilience. In rural communities, they manage water resources, adapt farming practices and care for displaced families. Their knowledge and contributions should be at the heart of national and local climate strategies, yet they remain sidelined.

Gender parity in climate leadership is not just about fairness; it is about survival.

One cannot discuss gender and climate in Pakistan without considering the broader socio-political landscape. Women hold only about 20 per cent of parliamentary seats, a figure that pales in comparison to global averages. This lack of representation is mirrored in climate governance, where decision-making remains largely a male-dominated arena. But change is possible. Pakistan has seen the success of programs like the Benazir Income Support Programme, which empowers women in poverty-stricken households. These initiatives demonstrate the transformative potential of investing in women. If scaled and integrated into climate policies, such efforts could not only enhance resilience but also unlock innovative solutions tailored to local contexts.

The world has examples to draw inspiration from. Rwanda, often held up as a beacon of gender equality in leadership, has achieved remarkable progress through the implementation of gender quotas. Women now make up 61 per cent of Rwanda’s parliament, and the ripple effects are evident in policies that prioritise social equity and sustainability. Pakistan could take a similar approach by mandating minimum representation for women in climate policymaking bodies. Quotas are not a perfect solution, but they are a start — a way to level the playing field and ensure that women’s perspectives are no longer an afterthought.

Education also plays a crucial role in shifting the narrative. It is not enough to simply advocate for gender equality; we must cultivate a culture that values and nurtures it. Climate education, with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches, should be integrated into the national curriculum. Universities and research institutions in Pakistan must lead the charge by aligning their programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Imagine a generation of students who not only understand the science of climate change but also see the value of inclusivity in solving it. This is not a distant dream; it is an achievable goal, provided there is the political will and societal support to make it a reality.

Policy and education alone are not enough. The real challenge is changing the mindsets. As a society, we must move beyond the stereotypes and biases that limit women’s potential. Leadership is not defined by gender; it is defined by vision, empathy and the ability to inspire others. These are qualities that transcend traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, we can create a new paradigm of leadership—one that is as inclusive as it is effective.

Climate crisis demands collective action, creativity and courage. It is a crisis that we cannot hope to solve without fully harnessing the talents, perspectives and leadership of women.

As we move forward from COP29, let this be a moment of reflection and renewal. The road ahead will not be easy, but it is one we must travel together. Gender parity in climate leadership is not just about fairness; it is about survival.

The writer is a policy analyst and researcher with a master’s degree in public policy from King’s College, London