Gender, Climate Change, and Social Inclusion in Pakistan: A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the province of Pakistan, having a patriarchal society, gender inequality, and environmental vulnerability, needs an inclusive climate governance and women are disproportionately affected due to climate change . The objective of the study is to examines the relationship between climate change, gender inequality, and social justice in KP only from 2014 to 2025. The study adopted qualitative research methodology by collecting data from books, articles, reports of international and national organization data sources and analysied through thematic analysis. The results show there is gender discrimination in literacy rate, access to economic resources, access to information and the inclusive decision-making process further intensified by institutional and cultural barriers. The results highlight the urgent need for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in climate governance with the integration of indigenous knowledge and cultural and community engagement in policy making and implementation to improve resilience. It recommends the need for an integrated approach that incorporates gender-responsive policies, community engagement, and innovative solutions.