Gender Disparities in Climate Change Policies: A Case Study of Pakistan

Climate change poses significant challenges for Pakistan, a country increasingly affected by extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025. These challenges are further exacerbated by gender inequality, which leaves women more vulnerable due to limited access to resources and restricted decision-making power, particularly in rural and agricultural communities. This study examines gender-based disparities in Pakistan’s climate change policies, with a specific focus on the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and the Climate Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP). Using an ecofeminist framework, the study finds that although these policies acknowledge the role women play in climate adaptation, their participation largely remains symbolic and constrained by prevailing socio-cultural norms. The research highlights the need for targeted institutional reforms, enhanced female participation in climate governance, and community-based programs that integrate women’s agency and knowledge. To strengthen resilience and achieve equitable adaptation outcomes in Pakistan, climate policies must become more inclusive.