Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Pakistan

In Pakistan—the world’s fifth-most vulnerable country to climate disasters—we are working with women and communities who face disproportionate impacts of extreme heat, yet remain underrepresented in resilience decision-making.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we partner with local NGOs to raise awareness, build local structures that foster shared discussion and leadership around climate-driven extreme heat and are exploring a wide range of heat resilience solutions that enable us to tailor our interventions to ensure that we are meeting the needs of women, their families, and their communities. Together, we are co-designing, testing, and scaling locally driven solutions that raise women’s voices and help build long-term resilience. Together, we are building trusted community networks, creating a platform for women’s leadership, and developing practical responses to extreme heat.

Pakistan In the afternoon, before taking her nap, Ali Bughjana gives a shower to her grandchildren. HERA/Saba Rehman

Program Highlight

Community Climate Networks

In partnership with Khwendo Kor and UK Frok, HERA has established and strengthened 30 women’s and men’s community organizations that serve as hubs for planning, decision-making, and collective action. Through these groups, HERA is reaching women and communities that are often considered “unreachable.”

Through these platforms, residents—and especially women—share their lived experiences, articulate their priorities, and engage directly with local and provincial government authorities. Emerging initiatives include:

  • Heat Early Warning Systems
  • Solar panels, fans, and battery systems through Shariah-compliant microfinance
  • Training in solar maintenance, menstrual hygiene product production, kitchen gardening, and food processing
  • Support for women-led home enterprises

What we are learning from these community members about women’s health and lives under extreme heat is shaping the next generation of solutions.

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