Climate change has significantly impacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, with women and children bearing a substantial brunt of its effects. The province has experienced a series of climate-induced disasters in recent years leading to loss of life, displacement and socio-economic challenges.

In 2022, KP faced devastating floods, displacing over 600,000 people and causing Rs68 billion in damages. The disaster destroyed key infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools and health facilities, with Dera Ismail Khan and Tank worst affected. Women and children suffered the most, facing loss of homes, livelihoods and limited access to healthcare. The crisis highlighted the urgent need for gender-sensitive disaster response and resilience strategies.

Heavy rainfalls in KP during monsoon seasons also lead to severe flooding, overflowing rivers and drainage failures. A report by the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in 2024 said that these rains led to 24 deaths in three days, including 10 in Kohat, six of whom were children. Province-wide, 150 houses were damaged, with 77 partially and 73 completely destroyed. Meanwhile, landslides and house collapses were reported in multiple districts including Abbottabad, Hangu and Mansehra.

A report from January 2025 details an outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis in KP’s Khyber district, with approximately 2,400 cases registered during October and November 2024. A study also highlighted the prevalence of facial lesions among people of all ages, but found the disease to be most severe among children and women. Experts warn that climate change, particularly rising temperatures and shifting humidity levels, is creating ideal conditions for sandflies to thrive, contributing to the increasing spread of the disease in the region.

Climate change has also exacerbated displacement, disrupted education and heightened the risk of food insecurity in KP. Women, already marginalised in many spheres of life, struggle to access relief efforts, while children face increased health risks and developmental challenges. The KP Climate Change Policy 2022 acknowledges these vulnerabilities, highlighting the urgent need for education, healthcare access and disaster management strategies focused on protecting women and children.

Climate change and gender-based violence

Displacement and economic instability, often intensified by climate change, fuel acts of violence against women, particularly in conflict-stricken and poverty-ridden areas. United Nations (UN) data indicates that women comprise 80 per cent of those displaced by climate change. A study conducted in 2023 covering Pakistan, India and Nepal found that a 1°C rise in annual temperature correlated with a more than 6pc increase in incidents of physical and sexual violence against women. Despite international organisations like the UN and World Bank acknowledging these issues, the response often lacks coordination, long-term planning and adequate funding.

Gender inequality and the need for policy action

The launch of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gender Parity Report 2024 reaffirmed that gender inequality remains a major obstacle to national progress. The report provides critical insights into the disparities in access to education, employment and political participation. KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, speaking at the launch event, stressed that protecting women’s rights and uplifting marginalised groups is essential for prosperity. He also stressed the importance of accurate data for effective policy making, pledging that the issues identified in the report would be addressed on a priority basis.

How women can lead the fight against climate change

Women can play a crucial role in environmental protection by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. Simple measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, composting and minimising waste can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Businesswomen can also promote eco-friendly ventures, while women in agriculture, who constitute a significant portion of Pakistan’s labour force, can support organic farming and regenerative agricultural practices.

Participation in climate-focused initiatives such as awareness campaigns, community gardening and plantation drives can also empower women to take a proactive stance. Female students pursuing environmental sciences can contribute through research, while women in teaching can educate younger generations on sustainability. Daily choices such as using public transport, buying sustainable products and reducing reliance on plastic can further amplify the impact of women’s role in conservation.

The intersection of climate change and gender inequality in KP highlights the need for urgent and targeted interventions. Strengthening policies to protect vulnerable populations, improving infrastructure and ensuring that relief efforts prioritise women and children are critical steps in addressing this crisis. Women must also be given better opportunities to participate in environmental and economic initiatives, ensuring that they are not merely victims of climate change but active contributors to a sustainable future.

This article by Press Registrar I&PR Ansarullah Khilji has been produced in paid partnership with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government - a partner of DawnMedia’s Breathe Pakistan initiative.