ISLAMABAD: Two women leaders were recognized for their outstanding contributions to climate action and environmental stewardship on Thursday at the fourth edition of the Pakistan Gender Climate Award (GCA), held at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The 2026 award was presented to Dr Zillay Mariam Sohail for her pioneering efforts in transforming waste into sustainable value chains and promoting circular economy solutions, and to Songul Jamal for her leadership in marine ecosystem conservation and environmental awareness among coastal communities, according to a press release issued by UNDP on Wednesday.
Each recipient received a cash prize of one million Pakistani rupees.
Pakistan Gender Climate Award
Established by the Embassy of France in 2023, the Pakistan Gender Climate Award honors women whose leadership and innovation are helping communities address climate challenges, strengthen resilience and promote sustainable development.
Since its inception, the initiative has recognized 10 women climate champions across the country.
This year's competition attracted a record 352 applications from across Pakistan, reflecting growing momentum behind women-led climate initiatives nationwide.
The awards ceremony brought together representatives from government, development organizations, civil society, academia, media and the diplomatic community.
Climate-related challenges
In the keynote address, Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the importance of women's leadership in climate action, noting that women play a critical role in responding to climate-related challenges despite facing social and economic barriers.
"Women are not only affected by climate change but also play a key role in responding to it and, despite social and economic challenges, lead emergency response and recovery efforts to drive positive change," Rehman said.
Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Moriani praised the Embassy of France and partner organizations for supporting women's leadership in climate action.
"The role of women is very visible in society. Women are participating very actively to address the integrated challenges of climate change and are not just facing the impact but are part of the solution," Moriani said.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey highlighted France's commitment to gender equality and climate action, emphasizing that climate change disproportionately affects women and girls.
"France's foreign policy places both the promotion of gender equality and climate action at the forefront of its priorities," Galey said. "Our feminist diplomacy strategy recognizes that climate change and related disasters disproportionately affect women."
Inclusive climate action
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr Samuel Rizk stressed the importance of inclusive climate action and praised the achievements of the award recipients.
"The women we honor today already know the data, the impact and the differentiated toll climate change and environmental degradation have on women and girls and communities at large," Rizk said.
"More importantly, they have already taken action."
The event featured two panel discussions moderated by Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz and senior journalist Arifa Noor.
The discussions focused on opportunities, challenges and pathways for increasing women's participation in climate leadership and decision-making processes across Pakistan.
Amplifying voices of women
Aisha Khan of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change, which administers the award program, said the initiative serves as an important platform to amplify women's voices as climate risks continue to intensify.
"As climate risks continue to intensify, the Pakistan Gender Climate Award serves as an important platform for amplifying the voices of women and inspiring a new generation of changemakers working towards a more resilient and sustainable future," Khan said.
The Pakistan Gender Climate Award is supported by the Embassy of France, the French Development Agency, the United Nations Development Program, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, UN Women and the Aga Khan Foundation and is implemented by Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change.
