Degree

Master of Science in Journalism

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Supervisor

Shahzeb Ahmed Hashim, Lecturer, Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ)

Second Supervisor

Ms. Yumna Fatima

Project Type

MSJ Capstone

Keywords

Climate Change, Gendered Impacts, Women and Disaster

Abstract / Summary

Climate change has intensified flooding in Pakistan, with Sindh emerging as one of the most vulnerable regions. Although floods affect entire communities, women experience disproportionate social, economic, and health impacts due to existing gender inequalities. This capstone explores the gendered impacts of climate change on women in rural Sindh through a feature writing approach. The study draws on interviews with flood affected women living in informal settlements near Karachi's Super Highway, humanitarian workers, NGO representatives, and secondary data from organizations including UNFPA, UN Women, PDNA, and WaterAid. It examines women's experiences of displacement, delayed evacuation, maternal health challenges, menstrual hygiene, food insecurity, and safety in relief camps. The findings reveal that women face heightened vulnerabilities before, during, and after floods. Patriarchal norms, disrupted healthcare services, inadequate sanitation, and limited protection mechanisms intensify their hardships, while women continue to shoulder caregiving responsibilities during recovery. The study also identifies significant gaps in disaster management policies, particularly the lack of gender sensitive planning and protection measures. By centering the voices of women, this capstone argues that climate disasters are not only environmental emergencies but also gendered social crises. It highlights the need for disaster preparedness and climate policies that recognize and address women's specific needs to build more inclusive and resilient communities.

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This research is openly accessible under CC By 4.0.

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