Inspiring Pakistan Gender Climate Award 2025 Celebrates Trailblazing Women Climate Champions

The Pakistan Gender Climate Award 2025 stands as a beacon of hope and recognition for women leading the charge against climate change. Held in Islamabad, this empowering event showcased Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive and impactful climate action. The third edition of the award was not only a celebration of environmental leadership but also a rallying call for gender equality in climate resilience.

What is the Pakistan Gender Climate Award?

Launched in 2023 by the Embassy of France in Pakistan, the Gender Climate Award (GCA) was created to spotlight the intersection of gender equality and climate action. GCA recognizes initiatives and individuals who make significant strides in promoting gender-responsive climate solutions. The 2025 edition was notably held during the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, symbolizing global unity and urgency in climate adaptation and gender inclusivity.

Supported by strategic partners including:

• Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC)
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)
• Aga Khan Foundation
• UN Women

The Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC) served as the implementing partner.

GCA 2025: Honoring Gender-Responsive Climate Leadership

This year’s award received a resounding 275 applications nationwide, divided into two impactful categories:

• Climate Action (211 entries)
• Climate Journalism (64 entries)

Each entry was reviewed by a six-member expert panel, ensuring that the selected winners embody the spirit of sustainable, inclusive leadership.

The ceremony took place at the prestigious Serena Hotel in Islamabad, attended by dignitaries, diplomats, media professionals, youth leaders, and civil society champions.

Meet the Winners of GCA 2025

Anusha Fatima – Winner: Climate Action

Anusha was recognized for her tireless work in implementing community-led, gender-responsive climate solutions in flood-prone regions of Pakistan. Her initiative, focusing on female empowerment in agricultural resilience, not only mitigated disaster risks but also uplifted women in marginalized communities.

Aisha Farrukh – Winner: Climate Journalism

Aisha’s fearless reporting has highlighted the climate-gender nexus in Pakistan’s underrepresented rural belts. Her stories, published in national dailies, have amplified the voices of women most affected by climate impacts, driving critical awareness and policy discussions.

Each winner received Rs1.2 million to further their transformative work.

Key Highlights from the Award Ceremony

Opening Remarks by French Ambassador H.E. Nicolas Galey

Ambassador Galey reaffirmed France’s commitment to inclusive climate diplomacy, stating that empowering women is key to effective climate solutions. On the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, his message served as a global reminder of the importance of gender-responsive strategies.

Panel Discussions That Inspired Change

Two engaging panels were hosted:

• Panel One: Focused on partner organizations’ motivations for supporting the GCA.
• Panel Two: Brought together winners from all three editions, who shared challenges, triumphs, and lessons from their climate journeys.

Concluding Address by UNDP Representative Samuel Rizk

Mr. Rizk applauded the GCA as a “model initiative” advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through intersectional leadership.

Award Distribution and Government Support

Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change, lauded the initiative and confirmed government support for gender-inclusive climate programming. Her keynote emphasized the resilient role of Pakistani women in driving societal transformation.

Voices from the Frontlines of Climate Justice

Aisha Khan, CEO of CSCCC, gave heartfelt thanks to the French Embassy and partners, reinforcing civil society’s “audacious ambition” to support women in climate resilience. She stressed that local women leaders are not just participants but architects of sustainable change.

Conclusion: Empowering a Climate-Resilient Future

The Pakistan Gender Climate Award 2025 is more than just a recognition—it is a powerful affirmation of the critical role women play in climate action. From implementing on-ground solutions to shaping public opinion, the women celebrated this year are pioneers of a sustainable, inclusive future.

As Pakistan navigates complex climate challenges, the GCA remains a guiding light for innovation, equity, and resilience. Let this celebration of women’s climate leadership ignite further collaboration, action, and recognition across sectors.

External Resources

• Paris Agreement – UNFCCC
• UN Women – Climate Action

Internal Links

• Pakistan’s Climate Resilience Initiatives
• Women Leading Sustainability in South Asia