By: Shehneela Mazhar

Climate Change and Women’s Vulnerability:
Led by Ayesha Akram (UGRAD Spring 2020, English Works 2022 alumna) an insightful awareness session titled “Climate Change and Women’s Vulnerability,” held at the Eleanor Roosevelt Corner (ERCP), Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar. With Ayesha as lead alongside four male and one female volunteers, the session successfully engaged and empowered 45 female students with the objective of promoting meaningful climate action and enhancing comprehension of the intricate link between climate change and gender discrimination.

Opening Remarks: The sitting began with an introduction to the topic “Climate Change and Its Impacts on Women.” Ms. Ayesha Akram stressed the importance of creating awareness among young women about the adverse effects of climate change, making them more vulnerable in society. Ms. Maha, a PUAN intern working at ERCP, also provided a brief introduction to ERCP and Benazir Bhutto Women University.

Panel Discussion: The session featured a panel discussion with a climate expert, a psychologist, and a female affected by flooding. The panelists discussed environmental challenges, future policies, and practical strategies to address the issue. They emphasized the Sustainable Development Goal of gender equality and the women and gender-inclusive theme of COP 27. Climate Expert Ms. Marukh discussed the recent 2022 floods and how marginalized women suffered more from their harmful effects, including food insecurity, malnutrition in rural areas, and hindered educational and career growth due to climate change.

Clinical psychologist Ms. Uzma discussed the psychological aspects of climate change and its correlation with an increase in domestic and sexual violence cases. She highlighted that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological effect of climate change on women, leading to anxiety and depression. Ms. Uzma stressed the urgent need to create awareness about these psychological issues and why women are more susceptible to such disorders.

Ms. Aleena Rauf, a resident of Charsadda, shared her experience of the devastating effects of flooding on her family. During the 2022 flood, her hometown was inundated, forcing her family to relocate and disrupting her education.

Question and Answer Session: Following the panel discussion, an informative Q&A session deepened participants’ understanding of climate change and its gender-related implications. Participants asked questions about women’s inclusion in climate-related activities and future initiatives.

Activity: An engaging activity involved participants placing sticky notes on charts describing their feelings about climate change and strategies to mitigate its effects. Most participants aligned their goals with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expressed their aspirations to become future female environmental activists.

Certificate Distribution and Closing Remarks: Certificates were distributed to participants, and shields were presented to the honorable guests. Closing remarks from the panelists provided insights into the future perspective and how participants can work together to create a healthier and safer community for women.