ISLAMABAD, Jan 14, 2025 – National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need for proactive disaster management strategies and highlighted the significance of social resilience in the face of climate change.
Addressing a two-day consultation event titled “Transforming Communities through Women and Girls’ Leadership for Climate Resilience and Gender Equality,” organised by the NDMA in partnership with the Gender Task Force (GTF) and several UN agencies, Lt Gen Malik focused on the critical role women and girls play in fostering change, especially in climate resilience and disaster management efforts.
Lt Gen Malik acknowledged that climate-related disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. However, he also noted that these communities possess untapped potential to contribute to building resilience. He advocated for inclusive frameworks that integrate their active participation in formal disaster risk reduction (DRR) and anticipatory action plans.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, speaking at the event, stressed the importance of incorporating gender considerations into climate change strategies. She pointed out that empowering women and girls to take on leadership roles was not only an opportunity but an essential step in ensuring sustainable resilience amidst escalating climate challenges.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya, shared insights on locally adaptable solutions to advance women’s leadership and innovation in climate resilience. He underscored the importance of building on local knowledge to address climate impacts effectively.
Fareeha Ummar, Portfolio Manager for Women Empowerment at UN Women, highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing gender gaps in climate resilience policies and practices. She stressed that collaboration is key to ensuring that women’s voices and leadership are fully integrated into shaping climate strategies.
The consultation also featured panel discussions on the role of women-led organisations (WLOs) in crisis management, recovery, and post-recovery efforts. Key figures from organisations like UNDP, UN Women, the Aga Khan Foundation, Islamic Relief Pakistan, and VSO shared their expertise on gender financing and resource coordination in disaster response.
The seminar will continue on Wednesday, with additional discussions led by gender researchers and academics, further exploring how to empower women and girls in the fight for climate resilience and gender equality.
