he Climate Change Gender Action Plan for Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a comprehensive 32-page report that sheds light on the critical intersection of gender and climate change in the region. Authored by Huzaifa Khan and Ayesha Khan, and published by the Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms, the report underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on women in AJK. It delves into key challenges faced by women, such as those related to health, education, personal safety and heightened risks of gender-based violence. Based on the National Climate Change Policy of 2021, the report offers an in-depth summary of gender-related concerns in five main sectors: disaster risk reduction; forests; water and sanitation; food security; and energy and transport. Additionally, it includes a section on recommendations, presenting both sector-wise and report-centric solutions.

The report has received endorsements from several prominent experts. Dr Shafqat Munir, the deputy executive director in charge of policy and Head of the Sustainability and Resilience Programme at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, says the report links the voices of Kashmiri women with global women’s movements. Dr Syed Asif Hussain, a former additional chief secretary in charge of development in AJK has praised its realistic focus on the region’s needs. Zulfiqar Abbasi, the CPDR president, has recognised the plan’s potential to bring meaningful change in addressing climate and gender challenges. These endorsements underscore the importance of the CCGAP in fostering inclusive climate action in AJK.

The nexus between climate and gender in Azad Jammu and Kashmir illustrates how gender dynamics interact with environmental challenges. AJK, a mountainous region with fragile ecosystems and high dependence on agriculture and natural resources, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. However, its impacts are experienced differently by men and women due to existing social, economic and cultural structures. The report elaborates on this intricate relationship, emphasising the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women.

Women face significant challenges in disaster risk reduction due to limited access to relief and exclusion from disaster response planning. During crises, women and girls are at heightened risk due to inadequate resources and support while also bearing the burden of household chores and traditional caregiving roles.

In the forests, which covers 42.6 per cent of AJK’s geographical area, women play a crucial role in managing non-timber forest products. However, they remain marginalised, with limited access to economic rights and resources, restricting their participation in forest management. Their involvement is often confined to low-return activities. Men dominate the exploitation of high-value forest resources, reflecting deep-rooted structural inequalities that hinder gender equity.

The CCGAP for AJK sheds light on a concerning finding from a World Bank study regarding access to water in the region. According to the report, only 57 per cent of AJK’s population has access to improved water sources, compared to 89 per cent at the national level. This disparity is exacerbated by gendered responsibilities. 78 per cent of women, including girls under 18, are responsible for fetching water for their households. This task often involves travelling and queuing for up to 15 minutes in all kinds of weather. The report links poor household hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and unsafe drinking water to negative effects on public health and the economy, costing approximately 3.94 per cent of the GDP. These findings emphasise the critical need for gender-sensitive interventions to improve water accessibility and sanitation.

The report calls for gender-responsive interventions, including climate-smart agricultural practices, renewable energy projects and equitable access to resources, to empower women and build resilience.

The report addresses the vulnerabilities in the food and energy sectors, emphasising the disproportionate burden on women. In the food sector, subsistence farming, which forms the backbone of AJK’s agriculture, is highly climate-sensitive. Women have a key role in this, yet they continue to face challenges such as limited land ownership, lack of access to resources and increased burdens during climate-induced crises.

In the energy sector, rural communities rely heavily on biomass like firewood for cooking and heating. The responsibility for collecting and storing firewood is often shouldered by women. Women are also exposed to indoor air pollution and health risks. The report calls for gender-responsive interventions, including climate-smart agricultural practices, renewable energy projects and equitable access to resources, to empower women and build resilience.

While critically analysing the existing policies through a gender-sensitive lens, the report has highlighted gaps in the AJK Climate Change Policy 2017. It emphasises the limited integration of gender considerations in key areas such as disaster risk management, forestry, energy and transport, pointing out the lack of women in decision-making roles and structural barriers to their access to resources. It argues that addressing women’s vulnerabilities requires not only targeted interventions but also a systemic shift in how climate policies are designed and implemented. The report lays the groundwork for creating inclusive strategies to empower women and enhance climate resilience.

A notable case study of a community-driven environmental initiative in the Semari Valley of AJK, which combined environmental preservation with socio-economic development is also discussed. The primary aim was the implementation of a ‘no tree cutting’ practice to conserve the valley’s natural resources while advancing eco-tourism. A key aspect of the project was the integration of a gender-sensitive approach, actively involving women and local youth in decision-making processes. The World Bank supported the initiative through its Village Development Programs, funding various projects such as establishing water channels, organising plantation drives and creating kitchens for divorced women. Additional efforts included setting up TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority), Women Skill Centers, conducting health camps and implementing reliable water supply schemes. Together, these activities aimed to improve the community’s living standards while ensuring the preservation of the valley’s delicate ecosystem.

The recommendation section of the Climate Change Gender Action Plan for AJK provides practical solutions to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into climate action. It emphasises the establishment of climate information centres in disaster-prone districts, capacity-building programs for women, and the inclusion of gender perspectives in disaster relief and self-help training. The report also highlights sector-specific recommendations, such as promoting women’s involvement in sustainable forestry, eco-tourism and renewable energy projects. Additionally, it stresses the importance of cross-sector collaboration among stakeholders to mainstream gender in climate policies. These actionable recommendations aim to enhance resilience, equity and sustainable development in the region.

While the CCGAP is a significant step in addressing gendered climate challenges in AJK, it falls short in two key areas. It lacks intersectionality, failing to explore how climate impacts marginalized groups such as women with disabilities or ethnic minorities. Moreover, the report mentions gender disparities but lacks robust quantitative data to substantiate claims and track progress. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive data collection and inclusive analysis could significantly enhance its impact.

Despite these limitations, the CCGAP lays a strong foundation for gender-responsive climate action in AJK, offering a pathway to a more inclusive and resilient future.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Her X handle: @hunain_mahmood. She can be reached at hunainmehmud101 @gmail.com