By Asad Cheema
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Tuesday said that empowering women to take leadership roles in climate action will lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions, driving progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.
“The impacts of rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and natural disasters disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities and it is imperative that response to these challenges is inclusive, equitable, and transformative” he expressed these views at a reception hosted in honor of the delegation of Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD).
The delegation was led by Secretary General of AFPPD Dr. Jeth Sirathranout.
He felicitated Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Ministry, Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, and all the stakeholders for organizing such a significant and impactful conference on an issue that resonates deeply with our national and regional priorities.
The diverse gathering of parliamentarians from Cambodia, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam and Turkmenistan is a testament to Pakistan shared commitment to addressing the critical issues of climate change, green economy, gender equality and sustainable development.
He also admired dedication to integrating gender perspectives into environmental and economic policies, which would help build a sustainable and inclusive future for our peoples. “Pakistan, like many of our neighboring countries, faces significant vulnerabilities to climate change”, he added. The Chairman observed that empowering women is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for achieving economic growth and environmental sustainability.
He said that women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population, have always been key players in managing natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices.
He said that transition to a green economy is inevitable and prudent to reduce environmental risks and empowering women within this framework is of paramount importance.
Quoting the former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, “A society where women are marginalized is a society that cannot reach its full potential”, he said.
He said that women bring unique perspectives and solutions to national challenges and their representation in decision-making processes is vital.
He specifically acknowledged the role of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Justice Ayesha Malik, and late Asma Jahangir for their contribution in the fields of democracy, women’s rights, social justice and equality.
Chairman Senate also mentioned the active role played by Hina Rabbani Khar in the area of foreign policy. He added that seven Senate standing committees are being chaired by women, which vindicates our commitment to women empowerment.
He called for engaging local communities, particularly women, in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
He also highlighted some key areas seeking attention for collective efforts. The Chairman said that in order to mainstream the role of women in agriculture, water management, and energy conservation, we must provide equal access to education and training in green economy sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and environmental management.
He proposed that educational programs and vocational training to equip women with skills needed to thrive in a green economy.
He said that financial empowerment is a critical aspect of achieving true gender equality and facilitating women’s access to credit, investment in women-led green enterprises can drive both innovation and economic growth.
The Chairman underscored that as parliamentarians, we have a pivotal role to play in enacting and enforcing laws that promote gender equality and environmental sustainability.
He observed that concerted efforts are needed involving all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and the private sector to promote gender inclusive transition to a green economy. “Together, we can make a difference to pave the way for a greener, more equitable and sustainable future for generation to come”, he remarked while concluding his speech.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Syed Shibli Faraz, Senator Iraf ul Haq Siddiqui, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Senator Haji Hidayatullah, Senator Shahadat Awan, Hina Rabbani Khar MNA, Senator Abdul Qadir and others were also present.
