Islamabad: At the 17th Annual Rural Women Leadership Training Conference, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, underscored the crucial role of rural women in agriculture and their broader impact on economic and environmental sustainability. The conference, held at the Lok Virsa open-air auditorium, brought together key stakeholders to focus on empowering rural women, who are vital to enhancing climate resilience and fostering sustainable development across the country.

According to Press Information Department, Ms. Alam detailed the significant contributions of rural women to the agricultural sector, where they embody a substantial portion of the workforce. She noted their involvement not only in traditional farming tasks but also in innovative practices that bolster sustainable agriculture. “Empowering women with resources, training, and access to markets is essential for increasing agricultural output and improving food security,” she remarked. Beyond agriculture, Ms. Alam highlighted the entrepreneurial activities of rural women, from handicrafts to food processing, which stimulate local economies and promote social cohesion.

The coordinator also emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting rural women in their roles as environmental stewards. She pointed to various studies indicating that women’s practices often reflect a profound understanding of local ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Ms. Alam called on stakeholders to enhance investment in women’s empowerment as a strategic approach to climate resilience, urging the implementation of policies that promote gender equality and increase educational and economic opportunities for rural women.