MUZAFFARABAD: A woman legislator from the ruling PML-N in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday called for greater representation of women in decision-making, saying their participation was essential to addressing challenges such as climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Speaking at a workshop on climate change, development and women’s empowerment organised by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Maryam Zaman, also known as Maryam Kashmiri, said the effects of climate change disproportionately affected women and children.

She said she would raise issues concerning climate change, women’s development and their fundamental rights in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and other relevant forums.

“Providing women with effective representation and opportunities in decision-making processes is a critical need of the time,” she said, adding that women’s active participation was indispensable in tackling climate-related challenges.

Says women’s active participation indispensable in tackling climate-related challenges

Ms Kashmiri was presented an appreciation award at the workshop in recognition of her reported efforts for women’s empowerment, climate awareness and advocacy for women’s rights.

The one-day event brought together women from different walks of life for discussions on the local impact of climate change, challenges faced by women, fundamental rights, leadership and women’s role in sustainable development. Participants also discussed the challenges confronting women and children as a result of climate change in AJK and were encouraged to promote climate awareness, women’s education, fundamental rights and social development in their respective areas.

KIIR programme officer and youth activist Usman Jahangir Mughal and Sardar Waleed Khan thanked Ms Kashmiri for attending the workshop and supporting initiatives concerning women and climate change.

Ms Kashmiri, in turn, praised Mr Mughal for his work on youth, women and climate-related issues and commended young people for their efforts to address social and environmental challenges. KIIR said it would continue organising training and awareness programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of women and youth, promoting climate awareness and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026