Climate Change Adaptation and Maternal Health through Legal  Frameworks and Policy

Authors

Hira Khurshid School of Law, Bahria University, Islamabad.
Arooj Bokhari Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance

maternal health, climate change, women rights, environment, gender inequality, sustainable development, Pakistan, policy implementation

Climate change debate generally ignores intersectionality despite its intense

challenges to the wellbeing and maternal health of women in Pakistan where socio-economic

inequalities intersect with climatic vulnerabilities. This study examines Pakistan's legal

framework concerning the protection of wellbeing and maternal health of women in the context

of climate change adaptation with the help of a qualitative approach. The paper emphasizes the

intersectionality of environmental and gender-related issues through a comprehensive review

of Climate Change Policies of Pakistan, amplified by analytical, empirical and reform-oriented

research. It also identifies challenges to effective implementation, including gender-based

inequalities, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to healthcare resources and

less involvement of women in decision-making. To sum up, this research highlights the

necessity of incorporating gender-sensitive perspectives into climate change mitigation and

adaptation efforts. Consequently, this will not only safeguard the well-being of women but also

contribute to sustainable development in the country. Policymakers can help protect maternal

health by advocating gender-responsive approaches, improved healthcare access, and

community-based adaptation strategies, Moreover, this paper suggests policy

recommendations to address these challenges and strengthen women's resilience to climate

change impacts.