Women’s empowerment is one of the main goals of the Sustainable Development Goals. Repeatedly, it’s been shown that empowering women and girls has a powerful impact, boosting economic growth and development in various areas. For an agriculture-dependent country like Pakistan, women play a large role in the economy. In Pakistan, out of the nearly fourteen million women who are part of the labor force (which is only twenty percent of the total), seven million of them work in agriculture.
However, these seven million women are considered as contributing family workers, and they often go unnoticed and don’t receive any payment for their work.
In Pakistan, many women from agricultural families work alongside men on farms. They engage in tasks like planting rice, picking cotton, and cutting fodder. For instance, in Punjab, women commonly work with men in rice and cotton fields. Women also play an active role in managing livestock.
In Sindh, especially among tenant families, and in desert areas, women work alongside men in agricultural activities. In Balochistan, where nomadic families are prevalent, women also participate in farming tasks. However, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, women are limited in their activities outside the home due to factors like purdah (veil), a conservative society, and cultural norms. Despite this, women are involved in nearly all on-farm operations except ploughing, particularly in hilly regions, arid zones, and tribal areas.
These women use traditional farming methods, which are more sustainable, as they involve the use of organic fertilizer and normal seeds (as opposed to genetically modified seeds).
Women have a vital role to play in promoting environmental sustainability and managing natural resources. They serve as primary caregivers and providers of essential resources like food and water. Women often possess valuable traditional knowledge and skills related to sustainable farming, preserving biodiversity, and using renewable energy sources.
Incorporating women into decision-making processes is crucial, especially regarding climate change adaptation, reducing the risks associated with disasters, and shaping environmental policies. Their active participation is essential for successfully implementing sustainable practices.
The active involvement of women in sustainable development is not just a goal but a necessity. Gender equality and empowering women are basic human rights that must be acknowledged, encouraged, and safeguarded. When women have equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political engagement, societies can tap into their untapped potential for sustainable development. Empowering women sets off a chain reaction of benefits, including poverty reduction, better health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and inclusive societies. It’s crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate in creating an environment that empowers women. This involves breaking down barriers and nurturing a future that’s more sustainable, fair, and prosperous for everyone.
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