01/09/2026
Women, Peace & Environmental Justice in Swat
How can women play a stronger role in building peaceful communities while responding to the growing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation?
Hashoo Foundation, with the support of UNDP Pakistan, organized a panel discussion at the University of Swat on “Women’s Role in Peacebuilding, Climate Change, Environmental Justice & Climate Security in Swat,” under the project “Empowering Women for Peace and Environmental Justice in Swat.”
The event brought together more than 40 participants representing government institutions, academia, civil society, media, youth, Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs), religious leadership, and local communities, creating an inclusive platform for dialogue on the interconnected challenges of peace, climate change, and environmental justice in Swat.
The panel Dr. Arshad Ali Khan - Registrar University of Swat, Dr Naveed Gul - Director, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Malakand, Mr. Muhammad Asif and Ms. Mahinoor - Environmental Human Rights Defenders, Dr. Shah Muhammad Khan - Social and Political Activist and CSO Representative, Mr. Asif Javed - Environmental Media Representative and Social Media Influencer, Dr. Shafiqa Bushra - Female Religious Scholar and Community Representative, and Mr. Jalal Khan - Advocate & project EHRD moderating the discussion.
The conversation highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in peacebuilding, environmental governance, climate action, community resilience, and inclusive decision-making. Panellists also reflected on the role of government institutions, academia, civil society, media, EHRDs, and communities in creating stronger linkages between environmental protection and sustainable peace.
A key message emerging from the discussion was that environmental justice and peacebuilding are closely connected. Addressing climate and environmental challenges requires not only institutional action but also meaningful community participation, particularly the inclusion of women in dialogue, decision-making, and locally led solutions.
The initiative was carried out with the support of UNDP Pakistan, with valuable support and coordination from Ms. Sadia Bangash, Project Analyst, UNDP Pakistan, in advancing the project’s objectives of women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and environmental justice in Swat.
Through such platforms, Hashoo Foundation, with the support of UNDP Pakistan, continues to promote meaningful dialogue, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and amplify the role of women and EHRDs as important contributors to peaceful, inclusive, and climate-resilient communities.
Together, we can empower women and contribute towards a peaceful, inclusive, environmentally just, and climate-resilient Swat.