Gendered Experiences of Climate Change: A Case Study of Gender Participation in Climate Change Policies in Pakistan (2001-2024)

Abstract

In the discourse of water scarcity and gender discrimination, a feminist political ecological lens offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between gender dynamics and water access. Article highlights that historically, despite of bearing multitude water related miseries, women are altogether excluded from national policy formulation processes and there is inequality of women representation in high ranked positions in ministry of water and Irrigation. In this article, mixed methodology has been used. Article has found out that women bearing water burden compounded with domestic violence results into incapability of women to perform their duties, resultantly it encourages the practice of ‘’Water Wives’’ and ‘’Water Laborers’’ . Additionally, on basis of their different biological functioning such as menstruation and pregnancy, water scarcity affect women disproportionately. Article suggests that, in water policy formulation, women role should not be compartmentalized only as beneficiaries. Their contribution should be recognized as water drivers, as only such measures can achieve water security.