Pathfinder International recently convened the “Regional Parliamentarian Meeting on Gender Empowerment and Green Economy” in Islamabad, Pakistan. During the forum, I had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue on “Women’s Role in Global Crisis: Climate Change and Security.” The session underscored the pressing need to rethink how we approach climate financing through a gender-responsive lens and how to elevate women’s leadership at every level of governance. Reflecting on this conversation, I am reminded of the work we do at Pathfinder International and how our work intersects with these critical issues.
Our commitment
As an organization, we are committed to creating pathways that allow women and communities to thrive, especially in the face of global crises like climate change. Our work spans critical areas such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), climate and health, gender and women’s economic empowerment, and health systems strengthening. These interconnected pathways are designed to address the structural inequalities that leave women and girls particularly vulnerable in times of crisis, while also equipping them with the tools and opportunities to lead transformative change.
Our programs emphasize that women are not just victims of climate crises—they are also powerful agents of change. In our work on climate and health, for example, we’ve seen firsthand how women’s leadership can catalyze community-wide shifts toward more sustainable and resilient practices. When women are at the forefront, they bring their unique perspectives and deep understanding of local contexts to the table, driving solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and effective. My two sisters Dr. Tabinda Sarosh, who is our CEO, and Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi, our Senior Country Director in Nigeria, wrote a recent article on the immense potential of women in health.
Gendered impacts and the power of women’s leadership
We know from global evidence and current manifestations that women and girls are disproportionally burdened, and their health and well-being is at an increased risk. There is no disputing that. For example, gender plays a huge role in how resources are allocated—power dynamics place women and girls at the end of the allocation, and limited resources ultimately impact women and girls disproportionately, even though women’s contributions to food production and farming activities is significant in low-income countries, making up almost half of the agricultural labor force.
Yet, when women lead, we see dramatic changes. One of our initiatives involved small fishing villages in Tanzania, where we worked with The Nature Conservancy to implement nature-based, replicable, and sustainable solutions to climate challenges. We engaged female heads of households, establishing “model households” that practiced climate-friendly and positive health behaviors including using family planning and skilled birth services, energy-saving stoves, and climate-smart farming practices. Further, the communities established and enforced their own sustainable fishing regulations, such as outlawing destructive beach seine nets and under-sized fishing nets and protecting fish breeding and nursery zones. The outcomes were significant, such as the protection of over 28,000 hectares of community fish reserves and a 50% increase in crop yields for farmers trained in climate-smart agriculture. These results highlight the critical role of engaging local communities, particularly women, in solution development and implementation.
Gender-responsive climate financing
At Pathfinder International, we advocate for investments that not only address the immediate impacts of climate change but also build long-term resilience by supporting women and girls. When women lead, communities are better positioned to recover, rebuild, and thrive in the face of adversity. As we say: When women lead, change happens.
Regional and national governments must prioritize initiatives that enhance women’s leadership, both at the top levels of governance and within local communities. This includes ensuring that women have access to the resources, training, and platforms needed to influence climate policy and practice. By financing gender-responsive programs, we can create a ripple effect that strengthens health systems, supports women’s economic empowerment, and ultimately contributes to a more just and sustainable future.
Leadership into local action
One of the key takeaways from the Regional Parliamentarians forum was the need to translate high-level leadership commitments into tangible actions at the grassroots level. This means integrating gender considerations into national climate policies and ensuring that local governance structures are inclusive of women’s voices. It also involves building stronger health systems that are responsive to the unique needs of women and girls, particularly in the areas of SRHR and gender equality.
Our focus on gender and women’s economic empowerment is about more than just economic opportunities—it’s about shifting power dynamics and enabling women to take control of their futures. By strengthening health systems and ensuring that SRHR is prioritized, we are laying the foundation for resilient communities that can withstand the pressures of climate change and other global crises.
Take home
Reflecting on the discussions in Islamabad, I am more convinced than ever that gender-responsive climate action is not just an option—it is a necessity. The work we do at Pathfinder International demonstrates that when women are supported, they lead the way in creating sustainable, long-term solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.
We welcome our partners to join us as we continue to advocate for investments in women’s leadership, gender equality, and inclusive governance.
