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Climate change

Pakistan Must Improve Public Services to Safeguard Women and Girls from Climate-Related Disasters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistani Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Shazra Mansab Khan Kharal has emphasized the need for urgent improvement in public services to safeguard women and girls from climate-related disasters. The statement comes after the launch of a joint report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), highlighting how climate disasters disproportionately affect women's access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and increase risks of gender-based violence (GBV).

Key Takeaways:

  • 8.2 million women were affected during the 2022 floods in Pakistan, with 1.6 million requiring GBV support.
  • 77% of respondents faced difficulties accessing SRH and family planning services, while 71% required GBV assistance.
  • The report identifies several critical gaps, including weak enforcement of protection protocols, disrupted health services, and inadequate psychosocial support.
  • Cultural stigma and inactive GBV response systems during disasters remain major challenges.
  • Dr. Shazra Mansab emphasized that Pakistan's adaptation challenge is both humanitarian and developmental.
  • Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Pakistan, noted that climate change has become an "intergenerational crisis" impacting the wellbeing of entire communities.
  • The 2022 Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) underscored the vulnerabilities of women during the floods, particularly in relation to GBV and access to maternal health services.
  • Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, SDPI Deputy Executive Director, called for integrating findings into policy and planning frameworks.
  • Dr. Tahir Ghaznavi, Humanitarian Resilience Coordinator, UNFP emphasized that floods and droughts have transformed childbirth into a "fatal gamble" for women in vulnerable areas.
  • Assuming the climate vulnerability index, technology-driven approaches for women's inclusion and education are essential for enhancing community resilience.

Statistics:

  • 8.2 million women affected during the 2022 floods in Pakistan (source: UNFPA and SDPI report)
  • 1.6 million women requiring GBV support (source: UNFPA and SDPI report)
  • 77% of respondents faced difficulties accessing SRH and family planning services (source: UNFPA and SDPI report)
  • 71% of respondents required GBV assistance (source: UNFPA and SDPI report)

Sources:

  • Dr. Shazra Mansab Khan Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in Pakistan
  • UNFPA and SDPI joint report: 'Drought and Deluge: The Silent Sufferings of Women and Girls in Climate Change'
  • Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Pakistan
  • Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, SDPI Deputy Executive Director
  • Dr. Tahir Ghaznavi, Humanitarian Resilience Coordinator, UNFP
  • Dr. Arif Goheer, Executive Director of GCISC
  • Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA)

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