Empowering Women and Youth in Climate Action - Capacity Building Workshop and Awareness Session
June 5, 2024 Tehsil Burewala, Punjab
Introduction and Context
The Huqooq ul Ebad Development Foundation commemorated World Environment Day with a significant event titled “Empowering Women and Youth in Climate Action – Capacity Building Workshop and Awareness Session” in Tehsil Burewala, Punjab. This gathering aimed to educate and engage women and youth in the vital topic of climate change, emphasizing their crucial roles in environmental initiatives.
Climate Change Awareness
Ms. Saima Batool, a prominent social worker and president of the Sudhar Development Organization, opened the session by discussing the effects of climate change in Pakistan, particularly focusing on post-flood challenges and mitigation strategies. She highlighted the specific impacts on local communities and stressed the importance of inclusive approaches in climate adaptation and resilience-building.
Biodiversity
Ms. Saira Bano provided insights into the significance of biodiversity and practical ways to preserve it. Her presentation underscored biodiversity as a critical component of ecological stability and human well-being, discussing specific actions that communities can take to protect and enhance natural habitats. She outlined the ecological benefits such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, oxygen production, and water purification that are vital for the survival of all species. From a human perspective, she emphasized that biodiversity contributes to agriculture, medical and scientific research, and economic benefits through ecotourism and natural resource industries.
Addressing the current threats to biodiversity, Ms. Bano discussed habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and overexploitation. She stressed that these threats are exacerbated by human activities and have dire consequences not only for nature but also for human populations.
Women's Engagement in Climate
Ms. Yasmeen started by emphasizing the unique perspective and skills that women bring to climate action. She pointed out that, historically, women have often been the primary managers of natural resources at the household and community levels, giving them intrinsic knowledge and insights that are invaluable in crafting effective environmental solutions. She discussed how women’s direct interaction with their environment equips them with firsthand knowledge of the vulnerabilities and strengths of their communities regarding climate impacts.
Despite their crucial role, Ms. Yasmeen noted that women often face systemic barriers that limit their participation in climate action. These barriers include:
- Limited Access to Resources: Women frequently have less access to financial resources, information, and technology, which can hinder their ability to contribute effectively to climate action.
- Social and Cultural Norms: In many cultures, traditional gender roles can restrict women’s participation in decision-making processes, particularly in public and environmental policy domains.
- Lack of Representation: Women are underrepresented in many of the forums where crucial decisions about climate policies and strategies are made, from local councils to international conferences.
Engagement and Capacity Building
The event was marked by a diverse attendance of 32 participants, including household women, teachers, social workers, and students. These participants were brought together to deepen their understanding and actively participate in climate change discussions and initiatives.
Interactive Discussions and Commitments
An interactive segment followed the presentations where attendees engaged in discussions, sharing ideas and commitments to integrate the learned strategies into their daily lives. This session facilitated a lively exchange of views and fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility among the participants.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The workshop not only served as an educational platform but also as a catalyst for action, particularly empowering women and youth to take a proactive stance in environmental conservation and climate advocacy. The event successfully fostered an informed and engaged community, ready to contribute to both global and local sustainability efforts.
