Wasting less, recycling more: Girls behind a green transformation in Pakistan

In rural Pakistan, schoolgirs are leading a green transformation (IRC Pakistan / Saima Javaid)

The need for female education for climate action has been recognised widely by social scientists, climate scientists, and ecologists around the world. In the words of E.O Wilson, “The education of women is the best way to save the environment.” 

In rural schools in Pakistan, a transformation is taking place as school WASH Clubs transition into Green clubs, empowering students - and in particular, girls - to drive climate resilience in their schools, households, and communities. Supported by Australia through Water for Women, the International rescue Committee is supporting the school Green Clubs through the Leveraging Inclusive WASH for Empowerment (LIFE-II) project. 

The LIFE II project aims to narrow the existing gaps in community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access and decision-making that are exacerbated by climate change. By educating and training student Green Club members, with an emphasis on engaging schoolgirls, IRC is actvely supporting students to lead environmental initiatives within their schools and communities. 

During the initial phase of the LIFE project (2018-2022), WASH Clubs were established to promote enhanced WASH practices in schools. As a strategic response to combat global warming, the project transitioned and also introduced new students and teachers to form Green Clubs. Members have partiocipated in sensitisation and training to mitigate climate change impacts, fostering awareness about environmental issues and the principles of solid waste management in their schools, households, and communities. The IRC project team collaborated with school staff and students to remodel the WASH Clubs into Green Clubs with a renewed focus on climate action. 

Equipped with newfound knowledge about climate change and its local impacts, along with an understanding of the Three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - for solid waste management, girls are driving a green wave within communities, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative influence girls can have in creating a better future for all. They have taken charge of managing waste, collecting plastic wrappers, bottles, and other waste products. Many are repurposed, such as plastic bottles and worn-out shoes transformed into planters and art installations on school walls. Bottle caps find use in art and craft activities, and empty oil cans become color-coded waste bins for effective waste segregation.

"My mother had disposed of a worn-out pair of shoes because they were no longer wearable. I picked the shoes from the wastebin and brought them to school. My friends and I grew plants in them." 

- Peshawar schoolgirl

During a recent field visit by the LIFE-II team, it became apparent that the girls were not just well-organised, but also empowered and steadfast in their dedication to promoting environmental education. "Young people, especially girls, serve as potent agents for driving positive change.... They hear us out with full attention and express great interest in the sessions. Sometimes they ask curious questions which help us think more and deepen our own understanding of the subject," reflects Nida Aman, Field Officer for LIFE-II.

Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gases that warm our planet, but its geography makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change. Pakistan ranked 8th most affected by climate-related extreme weather events over the period 2000- 2021,  is the third most water-stressed countries in the world, and is among 11 countries at risk of major instability due to the impacts of climate change. 

The LIFE-II project districts of Buner, Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province lie in the Indus and Swat River catchment area, which confronts direct threats of climate change. Water for Women is partnering with IRC and local partners to improve coordination and collaboration between communities, duty bearers and governments to deliver climate-resilient and inclusive WASH services for an estimated 123,980* people living in these districts by the end of this year. 

*Project targets are based on partner Civil Society Organisations (CSO) baseline studies. Project targets are updated periodically in response to changes in context as appropriate. To see our latest progress towards targets, see our progress.