Pakistani women climate innovators take centre stage as France spotlights grassroots environmental leadership
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Pakistani women driving innovative solutions to some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges were placed in the international spotlight as the French Embassy in Pakistan this week hosted the fourth edition of the Gender and Climate Award 2026, celebrating female leadership in climate resilience, sustainability and environmental protection.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, climate experts and civil society representatives to recognize women whose work is helping communities adapt to climate change and build a more sustainable future. The event highlighted the growing influence of women-led initiatives in addressing environmental challenges ranging from waste management and green entrepreneurship to marine conservation and ecosystem protection.
Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey said the award has evolved into an important platform for identifying and supporting women climate leaders across Pakistan. He noted that the initiative has expanded considerably since its inception, attracting increasing interest from applicants, partners and environmental organizations every year.
The ambassador observed that this year’s competition received more than 350 applications from across the country, reflecting both the urgency of climate-related challenges and the growing engagement of women in developing local solutions. He said the quality and diversity of submissions demonstrated the emergence of a new generation of environmental champions committed to building climate-resilient communities.
After a rigorous evaluation process, two outstanding women were selected for recognition. Zillay Mariam was honoured for her pioneering efforts in promoting green entrepreneurship and introducing innovative technological approaches to plastic and organic waste management. Her work focuses on transforming waste into economic opportunities while advancing environmentally sustainable practices.
Songul Jamal received the award for her contributions to marine conservation and her efforts to protect vulnerable coral reef ecosystems. Her initiatives have helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine biodiversity and safeguarding coastal environments from the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
Congratulating the award winners, Ambassador Galey described them as powerful examples of how community-level leadership can generate meaningful environmental impact. He said their achievements demonstrate that locally driven initiatives can play a critical role in advancing global climate goals while delivering tangible benefits to communities.
The ceremony was attended by prominent climate and development stakeholders, including Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Climate Committee; Aisha Humaira Moriani; Samuel Rizk; and climate advocate Aisha Khan, underscoring the broad support for women-led climate action in Pakistan.
Ambassador Galey emphasized that climate action and gender equality remain closely linked priorities in France’s international engagement. He noted that women and girls often bear a disproportionate share of the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions where environmental disasters can deepen existing social and economic inequalities.
He said empowering women to participate in environmental decision-making and climate adaptation efforts is essential for building resilient societies capable of confronting future challenges. According to the ambassador, strengthening women’s leadership in climate governance is not only a matter of equality but also a practical necessity for achieving sustainable development objectives.
Highlighting France’s broader climate commitments, Galey reaffirmed support for international efforts aimed at implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement and accelerating global action against climate change. He stressed that international cooperation remains vital as countries confront increasingly frequent and severe climate-related disasters.
Describing Pakistan as one of the countries most exposed to climate risks, he said partnerships focused on resilience, adaptation and sustainable development are particularly important. He noted that France has continued to support climate-focused initiatives worldwide and has committed substantial resources to projects aimed at helping developing countries transition toward greener and more resilient economies.
The ambassador also highlighted the contribution of the French Development Agency, which has worked alongside the French Embassy in supporting climate and development initiatives in Pakistan. Since 2006, the agency has backed dozens of projects across multiple sectors, integrating climate resilience and gender inclusion into its development agenda.
Participants at the ceremony said the Gender and Climate Award has become an increasingly influential platform for recognising women whose efforts often remain unseen despite their significant contributions to environmental protection and community resilience. Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the initiative seeks to encourage greater participation of women in climate leadership and strengthen networks of environmental innovators across Pakistan.
As climate challenges continue to intensify, the event underscored the growing recognition that women are not only among those most affected by environmental change but are also emerging as some of the most effective leaders in developing practical, community-based solutions. Through initiatives such as the Gender and Climate Award, their work is gaining greater visibility and helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable response to the climate crisis.