Beijing+30 Youth Blog: Women as environmental stewards, no longer silenced

Maryam Eqan is an environmental activist and policy negotiator from Pakistan. Photo: courtesy of Maryam Eqan

I have always felt a deep connection with environmental issues. Yet it wasn’t until recently, when Pakistan was hit by the deadliest flood of 2022, affecting 33 million people, that I realized that these issues are not just about the planet; they are also about the people. Especially women. Around the world, women bear the disproportionate burden of climate change. Whether it’s collecting water in drought-stricken areas, cultivating degraded lands or suffering extreme weather conditions, women are often at the forefront.

Yet, despite their crucial role and deep-rooted knowledge, I have noticed a glaring absence: their voices are rarely heard in the spaces where decisions are made. It’s a gap that not only undermines their contributions, but also hinders our collective ability to devise effective solutions to environmental crises.

This must change. Women are not only victims of environmental degradation; they are powerful agents of change. They possess a deep understanding of their local ecosystems, honed by generations of managing natural resources for their families and communities. Research shows that women play an important role in food production: they are responsible for 60 to 80 percent of the food produced in developing countries. In addition, 1.8 billion people worldwide live in households without accessible water supplies and in 7 in 10 of these households, women and girls aged 15 years and older are primarily responsible for collecting water. Imagine the positive environmental impact that could be achieved if their knowledge and leadership were fully utilized.

The challenges: a double bind

The stark reality that women are overlooked, combined with their marginalization, struck me deeply as I watched women and children struggle with the aftermath of floods, which illuminated women’s double bind. On the one hand, they are essential caretakers of their local environment, deeply committed to the well-being of their community. On the other hand, they are often excluded from the decision-making processes that shape the environmental policies that affect their lives. Land ownership, access to resources and even essential mobility are often at odds due to prevailing cultural norms and structural inequalities.

Empowering women, strengthening the environment

Motivated by these insights, I began exploring the growing movement to bring women’s voices to the forefront of environmental decision-making. It’s about integrating their concerns and perspectives into policies and programs. This is not only fair, it’s smart. For example, in projects such as the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, women’s experiences and contributions are considered as valuable as those of men, leading to more effective outcomes.

Furthermore, assessing the impact of environmental policies on women ensures that these initiatives do not inadvertently exacerbate their problems. It’s about making adjustments that take into account and respect their circumstances. This approach was confirmed for me when I learned about the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action, which strengthens mechanisms to assess and address the impact of environmental policies on women at multiple levels.

I have also been moved by the organizations and movements participating in international forums related to climate change and advocating for the inclusion of gender equality, women’s rights and their contributions in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This will ensure that global policies address the specific vulnerabilities women face.

Women Leading Change: Inspiration in Action

I am constantly inspired by women leading environmental initiatives around the world. Women prove their commitment to a sustainable future.

As we mark important milestones such as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, I am more determined than ever to break down the barriers that hold women back in the environmental sector. By advocating for their active participation and leadership, we not only support women; we advocate a more sustainable and fairer world. It is a mission I am proud to be a part of, and one that I believe is critical to the future of our planet.”

Maryam Eqan. Photo: courtesy of Maryam Eqan

Biography:

Maryam Eqan, 25, is a Pakistani environmental activist and young policy negotiator focused on the triple planetary crisis. She works with WWF-Pakistan on Water-Sensitive Cities and serves as a GEO-7 fellow for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), where she is committed to advancing science and evidence-based information to inform global environmental policy and management to inform.

Facebook, Instagram: @maryam.eqan

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