Shamim Shawl raises concerns over disproportionate impact of climate change on IIOJK women
Geneva: Kashmiri leader Shamim Shawl has raised concerns over the disproportionate impact of climate change on women in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), particularly those whose livelihoods depend on farming, plantations and other natural resources.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Shamim Shawl was attending the side event “Women’s Technological Leadership in Facilitating Just Transitions in the Climate Crisis,” organized by WOMENVAI – Women and Men in Environment and Artificial Intelligence on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The session examined the role of women in technological innovation, climate action and the pursuit of just transitions in the face of the growing global climate crisis.
During the discussion, she highlighted how environmental changes can place additional economic and social pressures on women in rural and mountainous communities, where access to natural resources remains closely linked to household livelihoods and food security.
Shamim Shawl also drew attention to concerns surrounding the environmental consequences of heavy militarization in the region, including reported impacts of firing and explosions on the fragile mountainous ecosystem.
She noted that environmental degradation, combined with accelerating glacier melt and climate-related changes, is creating additional challenges for local communities, with women often bearing a disproportionate share of the resulting burden.
She emphasized the need for climate policies and technological solutions to take into account the experiences of women living in conflict-affected and environmentally vulnerable regions.
Shamim Shawl called for greater attention to the intersection of women’s rights, climate justice, environmental protection and conflict, stressing that just transitions must include women from affected communities and address the specific challenges they face.
