Building a Brighter Future: Women Lead the Way in Climate-Smart Infrastructure Projects

Building a Brighter Future: Women Lead the Way in Climate-Smart Infrastructure Projects

In Pakistan’s D.I. Khan and Tank districts, a remarkable initiative is taking root. Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), under the KfW-funded LACIP II project led by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, is constructing 10 climate-resilient Integrated Areas Upgradation Projects (IAUPs). These projects go beyond simply building infrastructure; they empower women and prioritize sustainability for the future.

Women at the Forefront of Progress

One inspiring example is the construction of a PCC road in UC Mahra, D.I. Khan. Here, the project breaks new ground by actively engaging women community members in its execution. These women, supported by field engineers, play a crucial role in ensuring the project’s success:

Monitoring Progress: They frequently visit the construction site to track progress and hold stakeholders accountable.
Quality Assurance: They oversee the quality and quantity of materials used, ensuring durability and value for money.
Technical Expertise: They work alongside engineers to verify road thickness at various sections, guaranteeing a well-constructed and safe road.
This model of women-led community participation is a powerful testament to the benefits of inclusivity. It fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to higher quality infrastructure projects that are built to last.

Building Resilience, One Road at a Time

The SRSP initiative prioritizes climate-resilient practices in these IAUPs. This means using materials and techniques that can withstand the ever-changing environmental landscape. By prioritizing sustainability, these projects ensure the long-term viability of the infrastructure for future generations.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development

The involvement of women in the project execution highlights a key aspect of sustainable development: community participation. When communities are invested in the process, they take greater ownership of the infrastructure and are more likely to maintain it for the long run. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of empowerment and ensures the project benefits the entire community.

A Model for the Future

The SRSP project in D.I. Khan and Tank serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the positive impact of women’s leadership, climate-conscious practices, and community engagement. As the construction of the PCC road progresses, it paves the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for the 650 households it will benefit.

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By empowering women, prioritizing sustainability, and fostering community involvement, we can build a brighter future for all.

Empowering Communities: New Project Boosts Climate Resilience in Charsadda

Empowering Communities: New Project Boosts Climate Resilience in Charsadda

Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), with financial backing from the German development agency GIZ, launched a new project in Charsadda district called “Climate Adaptation and Risk Financing.” This initiative aims to educate both men and women about adapting to climate change and build stronger social and financial communities in areas prone to disasters.

SRSP injected a special “climate-smart fund” into eight of their village banks in Charsadda. These banks, run by women for the past 14 years, will use the fund to expand their services and support community efforts to adapt to climate change. Additionally, a part of the fund is reserved for emergencies in case of future disasters.

The project goes beyond financial aid. It will also train women in promoting various income-generating activities, such as growing strawberries, producing seedlings, and participating in a textile industry cluster.

The project launch ceremony was well-attended. Important figures included the Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, the Deputy Head of Development Cooperation from the German Embassy, GIZ representatives, CEOs from the Pakistan Microfinance Network, the CEO SRSP, the COO of SRSP, and local women community members. During the event, climate-smart fund checks were distributed to the women-run village banks.