Water for Women - Pakistan

Empowering locally led sustainable WASH for all with Leveraging Inclusive and Climate-Sensitive WASH for Empowerment (LIFE) in Pakistan

From 2023 to 2024 Water for Women partnered with International Rescue Committee (IRC) to deliver climate-resilient inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for 136,862* people living in the districts of Peshawar, Swat and Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. This project was an extension of IRC’s LIFE project (2018 to 2022) which reached 449,461* people. IRC’s Water for Women project finished delivery in December 2024.

Partner: International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Locations: Buner, Peshawar and Swat Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

Focus areas: Gender equality, disability and social inclusion, systems strengthening, capacity building and locally led development

During the seven years of Water for Women, IRC made significant strides towards transforming and strengthening climate-resilient inclusive WASH systems. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, through the Leveraging Inclusive WASH for Empowerment (LIFE) and LIFE II projects. These efforts drove substantial progress at both the program and organisational levels, reflecting meaningful achievements.

The LIFE and LIFE-II projects significantly improved the participation of women and marginalised people, community empowerment, and the climate resilience of WASH infrastructure. During Phase 1 (2018-22), IRC’s project reached more than 300,000 individuals in 73 communities across Peshawar, Buner, and Swat, with a targeted focus on gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI). The establishment of women-led Inclusive WASH Jirgas (IWJs) marked a groundbreaking achievement by integrating women into traditional male-dominated decision-making forums that challenged cultural norms and promoted women's empowerment.

The development of Village Development Plans (VDPs) through an inclusive, community-led approach enabled men and women IWJ members to identify local needs and challenges, including access to safe and inclusive WASH services. Locally driven solutions were integrated into project activities, which not only addressed immediate community concerns but also influenced government Annual Development Plans (ADPs), ensuring sustainability and alignment with community priorities. The active involvement of local political leaders within IWJs played a crucial role in influencing local ADPs, particularly in resource allocation under the new local government system. In Village Terinan, IWJs successfully secured PKR3.5 million from the local government for climate-resilient WASH initiatives.

Further testament to the positive impact of addressing climate-resilient inclusive WASH was the Government of Pakistan’s request of IRC to develop a Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) for three districts aligned with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). IRC was also nominated as co-opted member on Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water and Sanitation for all).

A child accompanies his mother who is attending a community session on health & hygiene (IRC Pakistan)

In total, some 586,323 people were reached over the seven years of IRC's project. During the final two year Extension Phase, this included 136,862* gaining improved access to climate-resilient inclusive WASH. 

An additional 723,105 people have indirectly benefitted.

The project also supported:

• 46 water scheme constructions (39 communal, 9 institutional)
• 55 school Green Clubs involving 2,416 students and teachers
• 644 women IWJ leaders through customised leadership training
• 90 IWJs (45 male, 45 female)
• 4 self-help groups for transgender people

“Leveraging Inclusive WASH for Empowerment (LIFE) Pakistan Project is one of the unique projects as it helped the marginalised communities in terms of water supply, sanitation, hygiene awareness and capacity building. The project significantly contributed to WASH, Governance and social inclusion in district Swat.”

Abdul Haseeb, Environmental Protection Society Program Manager

Championing sustainability through collaboration, capacity building and systems strengthening

In Water for Women’s Extension Phase (2023-24), the LIFE II project emphasised strengthening institutional capacities and partnered with key government departments such as Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW). These partnerships facilitated the integration of climate resilience and GEDSI principles into service delivery and policy frameworks.

To support the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, the project supported the design and establishment of a comprehensive management Information system (MIS) that improved systematic data collection around climate change impacts, enabling analysis, management and reporting. The MIS supports ongoing planning and decision-making, particularly during climate-induced disasters. Similarly, during the Phase 1 LIFE project, MIS dashboards were developed for the Water and Sanitation (Watsan) Cell to ensure access to quality and timely data. Additionally, the capacity of health professionals was enhanced in hospital waste management through collaboration with the EPA.

In collaboration with the Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMA), 32 solid waste management campaigns led to improved community linkages and cooperation between the TMAs and directly benefited 47,180 people.  Through community-led total sanitation (CLTS) sessions, all 73 communities within the project catchment area were declared open defecation free (ODF) by the KP Government. This milestone exemplifies the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives and the importance of fostering local ownership. The Deputy Commissioner, in collaboration with all relevant line departments, issued the ODF certificate. Relevant line departments, including Communication and Works, Social Welfare, and the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) were supported with training on the design and implementation of climate-resilient WASH infrastructure. Beyond the project, these line departments remain responsible for sustaining project achievements.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Menstrual Hygiene Management Working Group was reactivated with the project’s support through a one-day workshop in which the KP Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Action Plan was reviewed and refined with inputs from sector stakeholders.

More than 90 water quality tests were conducted across Peshawar, Swat, and Buner to identify potential contaminants. Using a mobile lab, IRC collaborated with the WatSan Cell and PHED to disinfect affected water sources, ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for all. Ten vital sanitation kits containing items necessary for the operation and maintenance of WASH schemes were also provided to the Capital Metropolitan Government of Peshawar.

Through large-scale community awareness campaigns, plantation drives, and international advocacy events, the project also fostered a shift in community behaviours towards inclusive and sustainable WASH practices, environmental stewardship, and water conservation. The collaboration with KPCSW enabled international advocacy campaigns that reached more than 650,000 people (directly and indirectly).

Across schools, 55 Green Clubs were formed and comprise a membership of some 2,416 students and teachers, placing the younger generation at the center of climate action and developing their leadership skills. The EPA has taken ownership of Green Clubs and is collaborating with the Education Department to institutionalise Green Clubs in the province. The project team also conducted 611 awareness sessions on the “3Rs” principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), climate change, and hygiene promotion.

By creating effective coordination mechanisms, including multi-sectoral forums and stakeholder partnerships, the LIFE II project ensured alignment with provincial and national programs. This approach strengthened community institutions including the IWJs and self-help groups (SHGs), and promoted sustainability and local ownership.

Green Club members at a school in district Buner proudly showcase their commitment to environmental sustainability through the 3Rs approach - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These young environmental champions are leading the way in creating a greener, cleaner future (IRC / Afaq Ahmed)

View more photo updates from our work in Pakistan.

Innovative climate-sensitive and nature-based solutions to sustain gains

The LIFE II project successfully piloted climate-sensitive innovations such as solarised water supply systems, rainwater harvesting, and solid waste management practices. These initiatives not only improved WASH infrastructure, but also enhanced community resilience to climate change impacts by reducing flood risks, conserving water, and promoting sustainable waste management. For example, the project installed a UV water filtration system in Zamung Kor Model Institute for State Children to ensure safe drinking water for around 700 children.^[1] While a 4,000-gallon capacity water filtration system was installed in a purpose-built room in Peshawar’s central jail to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable water supply for some 4,200 individuals, including men, women, and juveniles.^[2]

“We recognise that there are limitations to what we can achieve alone. Similarly, IRC has its strengths and limitations. By combining our efforts, we can bridge the gaps and drive meaningful change. As government stakeholders, we don't expect others to shoulder the entire responsibility. Instead, we seek strategic and meaningful partnerships that provide a critical boost, enabling us to address pressing needs and create a lasting impact."

Ms. Najm-us-Sahar, Director of Zamung Kor Model Institute for State Children, Peshawar

As part of the project, IRC successfully established three climate-resilient model villages,^[3] that demonstrated an innovative and holistic approach to building community resilience to climate-induced disasters. The initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient and inclusive WASH infrastructure in communities, educational institutions, and health facilities. These villages addressed the comprehensive needs of the entire community by integrating key components of resilience. These villages serve as replicable models for government agencies and other civil society organisations (CSOs).

A key achievement of the project was the restoration of ecosystems through watershed management. In Swat, the project focused on a hill torrent catchment area and implemented locally led solutions such as construction of small check dams and planting native tree species. The check dams facilitated groundwater recharge through natural percolation, while the native tree plantations provide critical habitats for indigenous insects and bird species. Three such community-led tree plantation campaigns were conducted in partnership with the EPA, and saw more than 8,308 trees planted across all the target districts, while also enhancing community awareness, participation, and ownership of climate action. These interventions showcased the potential of nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges and enhance community resilience.

Transgender women participate in an IRC program that focuses on life skills and mental health support in Peshawar, Pakistan, (Photo: IRC Pakistan/ Mansoor Alam Khatta)

Empowering women and marginalised groups for equitable outcomes

GEDSI remained central to all project interventions - empowering women, people with disabilities, and people from sexual and gender minority communities through leadership development, life skills training, and mental health support. This approach fostered inclusiveness and enabled vulnerable groups to participate in decision-making and access essential services.

At the household, the project supported independent living skills training for 150 people with disabilities and caregivers, and for 150 transgender people with specially designed three-day life skills and mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) training to improve informed decision-making, interpersonal skills, community building, conflict resolution, and wider civil engagement. The training was customised for participants to strengthen individual coping mechanisms in relation to social stigmas and discrimination. Further, through two referral mechanism workshops, women and transgender clients were linked to government and non-government service delivery providers in the protection, health, and social welfare sector. These organisations provided free services in sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence, while The Hawa Lur rights holder organisation (RHO) provided legal protection support for 24 transgender people.

At the community level, the project supported 90 IWJs (45 male and 45 female) and four self-help groups for transgender persons in 45 target villages across the three districts. The IWJ’s collaborated on 45 Village WASH Development Plans and 45 Water Safety Plans to address the risks and capacity gaps identified in the preliminary analyses of the villages. 644 women IWJ leaders participated in customised leadership training that improved their skills in WASH decision-making, climate change, and conflict resolution. As a result of the knowledge gained from the capacity-building sessions, IWJ women became very active and influential in raising awareness about climate-induced disasters, and mitigation and adaptation approaches, good WASH practices, decision-making, green jobs, solid waste management, and climate-smart agriculture. This knowledge sharing extended organic farming at household level to women and children in other villages beyond the project’s areas.

In addition to WASH interventions, the project promoted green entrepreneurship by equipping community members with relevant skills and providing in-kind support to establish green enterprises. This was a particularly innovative approach to inclusivity, as 40 transgender individuals received start-up grants to support their integration into the mainstream economy. Similarly, marginalised women in a patriarchal society were empowered with green skills and start-up support to establish home-based enterprises using low- or no-cost recyclable materials. 

The project supported 65 women WASH entrepreneurs through soap-making technical training and distribution of soap-making kits, including the ingredients and tools needed for making organic soaps.

Lessons learnt

The power of climate action 

 The fight against climate change begins with acknowledging our individual and collective roles in climate action. Climate change is a culmination of climate-unfriendly behaviours, embedded in our daily choices and actions. To combat it, we must integrate climate action into our individual and collective lives, fostering a paradigm shift. Climate action requires a fundamental transformation in how we live, work, and interact with the environment. By making climate-conscious choices and adopting sustainable practices, we can collectively drive meaningful and sustainable changes.

Climate advocacy and lobbying can amplify the stories of climate-vulnerable communities, highlighting their struggles and resilience. Collaborating with media outlets can amplify climate advocacy messages and counter climate misinformation by promoting accurate science-based information.

Climate finance is a rapidly evolving field that necessitates enhanced capacity-building and knowledge sharing to effectively address the complexities of allocations for adaptation and mitigation strategies. As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, bridging the gaps between mitigation and adaptation funding is crucial.

A multi-pronged approach to community resilience

Community resilience-building requires addressing each community/village through diverse activities and interventions, including infrastructure development, awareness raising, women’s empowerment, and improved governance. For effective resilience-building, multi-dimensional strategies should be employed to address unique village-specific needs leveraging synergies across interventions.

Systems strengthening demands transformative changes that challenge, rather than reinforce, existing power dynamics. To achieve this, it is essential to re-examine and reform institutional structures and processes and dismantle structural barriers that marginalise the vulnerable.

Economic empowerment programs for women, people with disabilities, and people from sexual and gender minority communities require diversified income-generating activities tailored to their unique needs, contexts, and abilities. A one-size-fits-all approach can exacerbate existing inequalities and limit opportunities.

Feature photo: Happy students show off their clean hands at their school in Pakistan (IRC Pakistan)

*Phase 1 beneficiaries were calculated from those who achieved WASH access. Extension Phase beneficiaries were calculated from those who achieved WASH access as well as climate change outcomes. Totals were determined based on outcomes reported by individual projects. See Our Impact.