Kathmandu: Women are playing an increasingly pivotal role in tackling the interconnected challenges of climate change, peace, and security across Nepal and the wider South Asia region, with their leadership emerging as a cornerstone of community resilience and sustainable development.
Speaking at a special session titled "Climate, Gender, and Security: Reframing Women, Peace and Security for a Changing World," UN Women Nepal Deputy Country Representative Barsha Pradhan highlighted that today's security challenges extend well beyond armed conflict. She stressed that climate change has become a major security concern, threatening vulnerable communities, livelihoods, and social cohesion while disproportionately affecting women and marginalized populations.
Pradhan emphasized that women are not only among those most impacted by climate-related risks but are also leading local solutions through community-based peacebuilding, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation initiatives. Their active engagement has proven essential in strengthening resilience to natural disasters and promoting inclusive, sustainable peace.
In Nepal, women continue to spearhead community responses to climate-induced disasters, demonstrating their critical contribution to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and social stability. Their leadership at the grassroots level is increasingly recognized as indispensable for building stronger and more resilient communities in the face of escalating climate impacts.
The discussion formed part of the "Partnerships for Peace – Commemorating 25 Years of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda" initiative. Through this regional collaboration, UN Women and the Government of Japan are strengthening strategic partnerships to advance the meaningful participation of women in peace and security decision-making across the Asia-Pacific region, including Nepal.
The dialogue reaffirmed that integrating women's leadership into climate action and peacebuilding is essential for achieving inclusive governance, enhancing community resilience, and addressing the complex security challenges posed by a changing climate.
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