The intersection of rurality and climate resilience: Insights from women in rural Pakistan

Abstract

This study examines the adaptive capacity and comprehension of climate change adaptation among women in rural and urban areas of Pakistan, with a particular focus on their involvement in sustainability practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 400 women through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The findings reveal that while women in both settings exhibit an awareness of climate change adaptation, their understanding of sustainable development principles remains limited. Rural women, in particular, face unique challenges stemming from insufficient governmental initiatives and inadequate knowledge dissemination, which impede their effective participation in sustainability efforts. The study highlights the necessity of targeted educational programs and policy interventions to enhance understanding and promote the implementation of sustainable development, especially in rural contexts. These results indicate that empowering rural women through improved education and robust governmental support has the potential to significantly bolster climate resilience and foster sustainable practices across Pakistan.