Gender empowerment emphasised for effective transition to green economy

Islamabad:Speakers at a regional conference here on Monday underscored the importance of gender empowerment for effectively transitioning to a green economy, insisting that without providing women with equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from the green economy, achieving more sustainable, inclusive, and effective environmental and economic results will be impossible.

The two-day event ‘Regional Parliamentarians Conference on Gender Empowerment for a Green Economy’ was organised by the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ministry and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, UN Fund for Population Activities, Pathfinder, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and other international NGOs.

As the chief guest, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasised that gender empowerment was crucial and timely for achieving the goals of a green economy, which was vital for a sustainable future. "Gender equality and environmental sustainability are interconnected objectives, with the success of one relying on the progress of the other," he said.

The NA speaker also praised the Pakistani parliament for its ‘exceptional efforts’ to promote gender equality, reproductive health, and sustainable development, which, he said, have significantly improved the quality of life for women, especially those in marginalised regions. Highlighting Pakistan’s activism for women empowerment in all spheres of life, he said the country had championed laws addressing gender-based violence, ensuring equal safe workplaces, and enhancing women’s socio-economic and political participation.

He complained though women produced up to 80 per cent of food in developing countries, they lacked equal access to resources like land and technology. In her welcome address, Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam said the green economy was more than just an environmental strategy; it was a transformative approach designed to promote sustainable economic growth while addressing environmental risks and ecological shortages. She, however, warned that transformation couldn't be fully realised without tackling societal inequalities, especially gender inequality. "Women, who make up half of the global population, are essential to achieving the goals of a green economy," she said.

Romina said it was imperative to recognise women's dual roles as both victims of environmental degradation and potent agents of change driving sustainable development. "Gender equality is not just about human rights; it is a cornerstone of sustainable development. When women have access to education, resources, and decision-making power, the benefits ripple out across society. Research consistently shows that when women are empowered, communities are more resilient, economies are more robust, and the environment is better protected,” she said.

The aide to the PM said Pakistani parliamentarians were striving to ensure that policies reflect that understanding. "We are committed to mainstreaming gender considerations across all climate-related policies and actions, recognising that women’s leadership and participation are critical to achieving our climate goals,” she said. Japanese state minister on education and culture Toshiko Abe San said her country had increasingly recognised the importance of women's empowerment in driving the green economy.

“While the country has faced challenges in gender equality, significant steps are being taken to integrate gender perspectives into environmental and economic policies,” she said. Deputy Representative of UNFPA Pakistan Latika Maskey Pradhan said despite progress on the ICPD action programme , gender inequality persists as women and girls face discrimination violence and limited opportunities in various aspects of life especially education, employment and decision-making.

She urged parliamentarians from the Asian region to champion the cause of women’s empowerment in the context of the green economy. Interim chief executive officer of Pathfinder International Dr. Tabinda Sarosh said the deliberations during the course of the two-day regional conference would effectively help push for mainstreaming gender into the green economy agenda through policy-making and implementation of relevant laws for women’s enhanced socioeconomic empowerment in Asian countries.

She emphasised that management of growing ‘population issues, sustainable development and resilience work hand in hand. "There is a need for realisation that women, girls and vulnerable communities are on the front-line of the battles we fight with poverty, lack of education and health services and the impact of the climate crisis," she said.