Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, on Thursday underscored the essential role women play in addressing climate change and advocated for gender-inclusive climate policies. Speaking at a seminar titled “Empower Her Empower Pakistan,” Ms. Romina highlighted the vulnerabilities women face due to limited access to resources and decision-making platforms, which exacerbate their susceptibility to climate-related shocks.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, Ms. Romina called for recognizing these disparities as a crucial step in crafting effective climate policies. She emphasized that climate change impacts women disproportionately, especially those in marginalized communities, and argued for a gender-inclusive approach that positions women as proactive agents in climate resilience and policymaking.

The seminar, hosted by COPAIR (Center of Pakistan and International Relations), provided a platform for advancing gender-responsive climate action. Ms. Romina detailed how climate change affects women, particularly in rural areas, who face challenges from droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. She stressed the transformative potential of women’s leadership in climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

Ms. Romina advocated for capacity-building programs, financial inclusion, and skills development to empower women to tackle climate challenges. She acknowledged that, despite progress in gender-responsive policies, implementation gaps and resource limitations hinder effectiveness. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and ensuring women’s participation in climate governance were highlighted as necessary steps.

Commending COPAIR’s initiatives, Ms. Romina praised the Climate Ambassador Program and the 1 million Women Empowerment Program, which aim to amplify women’s roles in climate action. She concluded by reiterating the importance of integrating gender equality into climate policy, emphasizing women’s roles as leaders and change-makers in fostering a sustainable future.