Research & Publications

Research and Policies

Integrating Women Empowerment into Climate Change Initiatives: The Case of Pakistan

Introduction: Climate change is one of the most pressing issues globally, affecting the most vulnerable populations, particularly women. Such climate change-induced disasters as floods, droughts, and heat waves are occurring with greater frequency in Pakistan, where women with their socioeconomic vulnerabilities bear the heaviest burden of environmental devastation. Integration of women empowerment into climate change initiatives are a moral obligation and therefore a key strategic consideration in sustainable development.
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Impact of Climate Change on Women in Pakistan
The issues concerning women in Pakistan in general and more particularly those in rural settings due to climate change are manifold: Agricultural Disruption: An estimated 65% of rural women of Pakistan are engaged in agriculture (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics 2022). Their livelihoods are threatened by climate variability, water shortage, and soil degradation.
Health Risk: The increasing temperature and deteriorating water quality increase the health risk, especially regarding maternal and reproductive health.
Increased Workload: In disaster-prone areas, women have to travel longer distances to find water and fuel, thus aggravating their burden.
Displacement and Poverty: In the last decade, natural disasters have displaced over 7 million people in Pakistan, with the majority of the vulnerabilities lying with women and children (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre 2023).
Women: Key Actors in Climate Action
Resilience to climate change necessitates empowering women. Women are not only victims of climate change but also key actors in bringing about sustainable solutions.
Sustainable Agriculture: Research clearly indicates that female farmers on women-run farms can apply climate-smart agricultural practices more readily. ICIMOD notes that women farmers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral have been able to achieve good results in water conservation by using new irrigation techniques.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Community networks led by women are very important to disaster response and relief operations. In the 2022 floods in Pakistan, voluntary women took the initiative in the distribution of donations and rehabilitation work (UN Women 2023).
Renewable Energy Initiatives: The Pakistan Renewable Energy Coalition mentions that women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of solar energy projects in Sindh and Punjab for the sake of clean energy provisions to off-grid areas.
Policies and Programs to Intervene in Favor of Women in Climate Action
Numerous programs, both national and international, acknowledge women in climate resilience:
Pakistan Climate Change Policy (2021): It seeks to incorporate a gender perspective into the climate adaptation strategic framework.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP): It helps finance women who suffer from climate disasters.
UNDP's Gender and Climate Change Initiative: This helps to support green businesses owned by women in Pakistan.
Pakistan Green Stimulus Plan: Encourages women's participation in afforestation and sustainable development programs.
Challenges and Barriers to Women's Participation
The rate of progression has been thwarted by impediments faced by women in particular:
Limited Access to Resources: Women possess merely 3% of land in Pakistan, constraining them from having decision-making power regarding climate-adaptive farming (FAO, 2022).
Socio-Cultural Norms and Restrictions: Gender norms often impede women's participation in decision-making processes.
Disallowance of Education and Awareness: Only 38% of women in Pakistan reach secondary-level education, which limits access to information pertinent to climate change (World Bank, 2023).
Financial Constraints: Women access less than 20% of agricultural credit, disturbing their ability to invest in climate-resilient practices (State Bank of Pakistan, 2023).
Strategies to Empower Women for Climate Action
To effectively incorporate women's empowerment into climate change initiatives, the following strategies must be followed:
Education and Capacity Building: More training programs should be launched in climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness and response, and renewable energy.
Financial Inclusion: Offering microloans and credit to women willing to establish green enterprises. Policy Reformation: Strengthen gender-inclusive climate policies and ensure women's representation in decision-making structures. Community Engagement: Motivate local women-led climate action groups. Technology Access: Guarantee that women have access to digital platforms that provide climate education and market linkages.
Conclusion
Empowering women constitutes an ethically correct response and a climate-smart strategy for Pakistan. Women are key players in sustainable agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and renewable energy solutions. Addressing gender inequalities and including women in climate resilience efforts would yield far more sustainable and effective results. Investing in women entails investing in a stronger, greener, and more resilient future for Pakistan.
References
Agriculture Census Report. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2022.
Pakistan Displacement Report. Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, 2023.
Women's Role in Pakistan's Flood Relief Efforts. UN Women, 2023.
Gender and Land Ownership in Pakistan. FAO, 2022.
Education and Gender Equality in South Asia. World Bank, 2023.
Financial Inclusion Report. State Bank of Pakistan, 2023.
ICIMOD. (2023). Climate Resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Women-Led Solar Energy Initiatives. Pakistan Renewable Energy Coalition, 2023.
Pakistan Climate Change Policy, 2021. Ministry of Climate Change.

Need Analysis of Women Empowerment in Pakistan

Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with a population of nearly 242.8 million people (49.6 % Female & 50.8 million Male). Gender Disparity is of significant concern in Pakistan and according to the Gender Gap Index -2022; Pakistan ranks 143/146 for economic participation, 135/146 for educational attainment and 143/146 for health and survival. The common country analysis (CCA) cites unemployment and lack of decent work as major drivers of economic vulnerability especially concerning women folk, it also stress the needs to advance women empowerment through decent employment opportunities and access to economic assets.
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Statistic shows that women account for a major share in informal sector labor force and women share in informal sector is 81% out of 5.26 million workers in the said sector, women workers also make up 74%of the informal economy.
Being 49 percent of the population, women bear a disproportionate share of the burden of poverty, with the majority of them being malnourished and neglected. In the past few years, it has been experienced that income earning opportunities are few and far between for the poor women of both rural and urban areas, there is prevalence of deep rooted patriarchal norms and conservatism in rural and urban communities is Pakistan which further create obstacles in women empowerment and financial well-being, Few of them have learnt vocational skills and often seek additional income by making and selling local handicrafts, but lack proper linkages to market these products. Employment opportunities are scarce and real earnings have declined in the last decade. Majority of our poor women also lack basic human, physical and productive assets and have limited or no access to essential social services. The severe economic pressure on families is also a constraint in improving their health and sending their children to school.
There is a dire need to explore and uplift theirs working skills with state-of-the-art market oriented vocational training followed by providing proper instruction tools in connection to market access, business and financial management education.
Pilot Project/Abstract: Expanding women’s economic opportunities benefits both women and society. Documented benefits include greater investments in children, reduced poverty for all and, perhaps most consequentially, enhanced aspirations for the next generation of girls and women. While these many benefits are well understood, much less is known regarding the most effective development interventions to empower them economically. Among other home-based businesses, beauty salon industry is most common in south Asian developing countries, women want business in close association with home/ Family in order to maintain work life balance. In past, this industry was men centric but with the improvement in socio economic status, this industry has further grown and become male - female centric now, due to direct connection with latest cosmetic products, this industry further segmented in to haircut and styling, nail, skin care, perfumes, party makeup, bridal makeup, Skin care with highest market share. Developed countries including China, Brazil, Russia, and India witnessed 25% of world market share. In the last decade, Pakistan has also stood as one of the important players of Beauty Salon with 4-8 million annually from registered beauty salons (SBP Commission Report, 2017) with a 20% contribution in GDP of the country. Beauty Salon Training: women empowerment initiative provides hands-on training in hairdressing, skincare, Makeup application and salon management to women from underserved areas. Through practical beauty salon skills Development and personal empowerment workshops, participants gain the confidence and Expertise needed top u\9rsue careers in the beauty industry or start their own businesses as home-based worker.
Entrepreneurship Support: In addition to technical skills training, we offer workshops and mentorship. Opportunities to help women launch and grow their own beauty salon businesses along with giving them access to employment opportunities in beauty industry. From business planning and marketing strategies to financial literacy and access to microfinance, we equip participants with the tools and resources they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.
Community Engagement: SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE (SCWEI) is committed to fostering a sense of community and solidarity among program participants. We plan to organize networking events, support groups, and alumni networks to facilitate peer support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among women on their journey towards economic empowerment.
Impact& Our Intervention: Since our inception, SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE (SCWEI) on self-contribution basis has successfully empowered several poor women and girls to transform their lives and community through beauty salon training. With meager resources Our graduates have gone on to secure employment in salons, spas, and beauty clinics, start their own home-based businesses, and become leaders and role models in their communities.
By, Farhat Jabeen Khattack , SCWEI member & Women Organizer

Empowering Women: Addressing Gender Inequality in Pakistan

Women empowerment is a cornerstone of sustainable development and social equity. In Pakistan, despite some progress, women continue to face significant challenges in achieving equality in education, employment, and societal participation. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a more inclusive society. This article explores the key issues affecting women in Pakistan, backed by data and insights from relevant organizations, and highlights the role of the Sustainable Climate and Women Empowerment Initiative (SCWEI) in tackling these challenges.
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Gender Disparities in Education: According to the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2022-23, the literacy rate for women in Pakistan stands at 51%, compared to 71% for men. This gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where cultural norms and limited access to schools disproportionately affect girls. Without education, women face barriers to employment and economic independence.
Limited Economic Participation: Women’s labor force participation in Pakistan is among the lowest in South Asia, at just 22% according to the World Bank. Cultural constraints, lack of access to childcare, and workplace discrimination are significant factors. Moreover, women often work in informal sectors with low wages and no job security.
Health and Safety Concerns: Maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with Pakistan reporting a maternal mortality rate of 186 deaths per 100,000 live births (UNICEF, 2023). Additionally, gender-based violence is prevalent, with 34% of women experiencing physical or emotional abuse (Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, 2018).
Legal and Political Representation: Despite comprising nearly half of the population, women hold only 20% of seats in Pakistan’s national parliament. Legal protections for women, such as the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, often face weak implementation, limiting their effectiveness.
The Role of SCWEI in Women Empowerment: SCWEI is dedicated to addressing these challenges through innovative programs and partnerships. Our initiatives aim to empower women economically, socially, and politically, contributing to a more equitable society.
Skill Development Programs: SCWEI provides vocational training for women, focusing on renewable energy sectors, beauty services, and other market-relevant skills. Our pilot project has successfully trained over 50 women, enabling them to secure employment or start their own businesses.
Advocacy for Gender Equality: We collaborate with local and international organizations to advocate for policies promoting women’s rights. SCWEI actively participates in forums addressing gender-based violence and works to strengthen legal protections for women.
Health and Well-Being Initiatives: Our health programs include awareness campaigns on maternal health and partnerships with healthcare providers to improve access to essential services. SCWEI also supports mental health initiatives for women affected by violence and trauma.
Economic Empowerment through Microfinance: In partnership with microfinance organizations, SCWEI offers small loans to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish sustainable businesses. This program has directly benefited over 200 women in underprivileged communities.
Path Forward: Empowering women in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy reforms, societal change, and targeted interventions. SCWEI’s future plans include:
Expanding Training Programs: Increasing outreach to rural areas and scaling up skill development initiatives for women.
Building Awareness Campaigns: Partnering with media outlets to challenge cultural norms and promote gender equality.
Strengthening Legal Support: Working with legal experts to improve the implementation of women’s rights laws.
Promoting Female Leadership: Encouraging women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes.
Conclusion: Addressing women empowerment issues in Pakistan is crucial for achieving sustainable development and social justice. SCWEI remains committed to this cause, leveraging partnerships and innovative strategies to create opportunities for women and challenge systemic inequalities. By empowering women, we empower entire communities, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for Pakistan.
By Sidrah Zaka, General Secretary SCWEI

The Sustainable Waste Management's Role in Contributing to 20% Global Emission Reduction

Introduction: Currently, waste generation increases worldwide, according to the World Bank which projected a rise in the waste production by 70% by the year 2050 if there were no urgent interventions taken (World Bank, 2018). Improper waste management contributes a fair share of methane (CH4) emissions to atmosphere as a result of landfills and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from incineration. It has been shown that sustainable waste management strategies can contribute to a reduction of about 20% of the world’s emissions (UNEP, 2022). This paper looks into the means of sustainable waste management and their very important role in fighting climate change.

Waste Management and Global Emissions: According to estimates, the waste sector accounts for about 3% of global GHG emissions, but significantly larger is the “indirect” part attributable to the waste sector. In terms of complete life cycle scenarios for materials-including: production, transport, and disposal-waste management takes around a fifth of total global emissions (IPCC, 2021). The main emission sources in waste management include:

Landfills: Decomposing organic waste gives the greenhouse gas methane, which is 25 times more potent than CO2.

Incineration: It adds CO2 and combines other harmful pollutants.

Resource Extraction and Production: Producing new materials from virgin resources requires high energy inputs, leading to substantial emissions.

Sustainable Waste Management Strategies

Waste Reduction and Prevention: Waste prevention is the best know-how for reducing emissions at sources. Some of the methods include sustainable packaging, eco-design, and consumer awareness campaigns, among others, on the introduction of waste-minimizing practices (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020).

Recycling and Circular Economy: Recycling reduces energy consumption because it eliminates the need for virgin material extraction. Circular economy thinking follows that materials be reused, repurposed, and put back to the production cycle (European Commission, 2021).

Composting and Organic Waste Management: By composting organic waste instead of landfilling, there is a massive reduction in methane emissions. Biogas plants may convert organic waste into energy, thus offering renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels (UNEP, 2022).

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Technologies: Advanced technologies to control emissions from modern WTE plants will generate energy from non-recyclable waste while reducing dependency on coal and natural gas (IEA, 2022).

Improved Landfill Management: Landfill gas capture systems can bring together methane, then use it as an energy source and prevent the methane from being emitted to the atmosphere (EPA, 2021).

Case Studies on Successful Waste Management:

Sweden: In this model, Sweden adopted a circular economy; only 1% of its waste goes to landfills, and that reduces emissions significantly (Swedish EPA, 2020).

San Francisco, USA: Composting, recycling, and well-implemented policies for the management of waste have enabled the city to divert 80% of its waste (SF Environment, 2021).

South Korea: The food waste recycling program has successfully resulted in a 95% reduction in food waste disposed of in landfills (World Economic Forum, 2021).

Conclusion: Sustainable waste management is critical in reducing global emissions by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, increasing recycling efforts, and operationalizing waste-to-energy solutions. These together can potentially reduce emissions by 20% with proper implementation, thus contributing to global climate objectives. Countries, industries, and individuals need to work together in improving waste management systems and going towards a sustainable and circular economy.

References

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). The circular economy in detail.

EPA. (2021). Landfill gas capture and energy recovery.

European Commission. (2021). Circular economy action plan.

IEA. (2022). Waste-to-Energy: A solution for global emissions reduction.

IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The physical science basis.

Swedish EPA. (2020). Sweden’s waste management success story.

SF Environment. (2021). Zero waste program in San Francisco.

UNEP. (2022). Global waste management outlook.

World Bank. (2018). What a Waste 2.0: A global snapshot of solid waste management to 2050.

World Economic Forum. (2021). South Korea’s food waste reduction success.

Achieving Zero Emissions: The Path to a Sustainable Future

Achieving zero emissions globally is an urgent necessity in the fight against climate change, yet it remains an incredibly complex and ambitious goal. Zero emissions mean balancing greenhouse gas emissions with their removal from the atmosphere, leading to a net-zero effect. This transformation requires significant changes across energy production, transportation, industry, and land use.

The Complexities of Transitioning to Zero Emissions: One of the primary complexities lies in the diverse energy needs of different countries. While some nations are rich in renewable resources like solar and wind, others depend heavily on fossil fuels. Tailored solutions that consider local contexts and energy demands are essential for a successful transition. Additionally, the economic implications of moving toward a zero-emission economy pose challenges, particularly for industries reliant on fossil fuels, which may face job losses. However, investing in green technologies can create new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth over time.

The Role of Technological Innovations: Technological advancements are crucial for achieving zero emissions. Innovations such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen fuel, and energy-efficient systems are pivotal, but many of these technologies are still in developmental stages and require substantial investment. Governments and private sectors must collaborate to fund and scale these solutions effectively.

Political Will and Global Cooperation: Achieving zero emissions necessitates unprecedented international collaboration, but political will is often hindered by differing national priorities and economic interests. International agreements like the Paris Agreement play a crucial role in fostering cooperation. Despite this, varying levels of commitment among nations remain a significant hurdle. Developing a global consensus and ensuring equitable contributions from all countries, especially industrialized ones, are vital to overcoming this challenge.

Public Awareness and Behavior Change: Public awareness and behavior change are essential for the success of zero-emission initiatives. Raising awareness about reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices can drive change at individual and community levels. Educational campaigns, coupled with accessible eco-friendly alternatives, can foster a culture of sustainability.

Pakistan’s Case: Challenges and Opportunities: In Pakistan, the journey toward zero emissions is particularly challenging but not insurmountable. As a developing country, Pakistan faces significant hurdles, including reliance on fossil fuels, lack of renewable energy infrastructure, and economic constraints. However, the country is making progress. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2023, Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries, underscoring the urgency of action.

The government has set ambitious targets, such as achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030 and phasing out coal-based power plants. Initiatives like the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” have gained international recognition for their potential to sequester carbon and combat deforestation. However, the success of these programs depends on sustained funding, political commitment, and public participation.

SCWEI strategies for Zero Emissions

The Sustainable Climate and Women Empowerment Initiative (SCWEI) is committed to addressing these challenges. Our future plans include:

Scaling Up Renewable Energy Projects: SCWEI aims to collaborate with local and international stakeholders to promote solar and wind energy solutions in underprivileged communities.
Climate Education and Awareness Campaigns: We will launch community-based programs to educate people about reducing their carbon footprints and adopting sustainable practices.
Women’s Empowerment in Green Industries: By integrating skill development programs for women in renewable energy sectors, SCWEI seeks to create economic opportunities and promote gender equality.
Tree Plantation Drives: SCWEI plans to expand its plantation initiatives, ensuring community involvement and focusing on native species to restore biodiversity.
Advocacy for Policy Reform: We will work with policymakers to promote climate-friendly legislation and ensure the effective implementation of existing policies.

Despite the complexities involved, the journey toward zero emissions is critical for the planet’s future. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, SCWEI envisions a sustainable future for Pakistan and beyond.

By Asfandyar Khan, Executive Director SCWEI

Empower Women Today

SCWEI was founded by a group of like-minded individuals determined to make a difference. We’re registered with the Government of Pakistan under the Islamabad Capital Charities Registration, Regulation, and Facilitation Act 2021 (Reg. No. CRRFA/ICT/218/24). SUSTAINABLE CLIMATE AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE (SCWEI) is the conglomeration of a group of like-minded women and males with a resolute determination to follow adaptive measures/awareness for sustainable protection of climate and to empower underprivileged women through market demand-oriented skills, Read More

Need Analysis

Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with a population of nearly 242.8 million people (49.6 % Female & 50.8 million Male). Gender Disparity is of significant concern in Pakistan and according to the Gender Gap Index -2022; Pakistan ranks 143/146 for economic participation, 135/146 for educational attainment and 143/146 for health and survival. The common country analysis (CCA) cites unemployment and lack of decent work as major drivers of economic vulnerability especially concerning women folk, it also stress the needs to advance women empowerment through decent employment opportunities and access to economic assets. Statistic shows that women account for a major share in informal sector labor force and women share in informal sector is 81% out of 5.26 million workers in the said sector, women workers also make up 74%of the informal economy. Read More

Pilot Project/Abstract

Expanding women’s economic opportunities benefits both women and society. Documented benefits include greater investments in children, reduced poverty for all and, perhaps most consequentially, enhanced aspirations for the next generation of girls and women. While these many benefits are well understood, much less is known regarding the most effective development interventions to empower them economically. Read More

Women empowerment initiatives Centre Contribution / Pilot Project

The said pilot project is located in Jhang Syedan Union council lethrar road which is a Rural settlement in Islamabad. as one of the committee members Runs also a beauty salon in the said area and on the demands of committee members and concerned area sample survey about women and girls demand, it has been stressed that free of cost beauty salon training courses from qualified beautician be imparted to poor women and girls of the area so that they can stand on their own feet in terms of economic independence. Read More

Basic needs of women empowerment initiatives center

There is evidence-based demand of 35+ poor women and girls that will be divided into 2 batches per day for the duration of 6 months beauty salon professional training courses, the following support is required from donor’s end.

Get Involved

Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers and professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives impoverished and underprivileged women.

Donate

Your support can help us expand our reach, improve our programs, and empower more women to achieve economic independence.

Partnership

Partner with us to provide resources, expertise, and opportunities for collaboration in support of our mission.

SCWEI Strategy

1. Introduction
The Sustainable Climate and Women Empowerment Initiative (SCWEI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting the empowerment of women and girls, particularly in underserved areas. This strategic policy provides a guiding framework for SCWEI's operations, planning, and resource allocation to achieve long-term impact. Read More

2. Vision Statement
To build climate-resilient communities where women and marginalized groups lead sustainable development for future generations.

3. Mission Statement
To empower women and vulnerable communities through climate education, green entrepreneurship, environmental action, and access to opportunities that promote social equity and sustainability.

4. Core Values
• Inclusivity
• Transparency
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity

5. Strategic Goals (2025–2030)
1. Climate Resilience & Education: Increase awareness and action on climate change through community-based training, school engagement, and public campaigns.
2. Women Empowerment: Provide skills training, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development programs for women and girls. 3. Green Livelihoods: Facilitate climate-smart vocational training, micro-finance access, and sustainable job creation.
4. Policy Advocacy & Partnerships: Advocate for inclusive climate policies and form strategic partnerships with government, NGOs, and international donors.
5. Institutional Growth: Strengthen SCWEI's governance, staff capacity, and resource mobilization to ensure organizational sustainability.

6. Programmatic Focus Areas
• Climate Education & Awareness • Women’s Economic Empowerment
• Tree Plantation & Environmental Conservation
• Green Skills Development
• Menstrual Hygiene and Reproductive Health
• Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Building

7. Target Beneficiaries
• Women and girls (especially in rural and underserved areas)
• Climate-vulnerable communities
• Youth and students
• Local entrepreneurs and small business owners

8. Implementation Strategy
SCWEI will implement its strategy through:
• Pilot projects in key union councils (e.g., Alipur)
• Strategic use of partnerships for co-delivery and cost-sharing
• Volunteer and community mobilization
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems

9. Governance & Management
• Governed by an Executive Body and General Body as per SCWEI's bylaws
• Supported by technical advisors, volunteers, and subject specialists
• Transparent decision-making and financial accountability mechanisms in place

10. Funding & Resource Mobilization SCWEI seeks funding through:
• Local and international grants
• Donor partnerships
• CSR collaborations
• Crowdfunding and campaigns A fundraising strategy will be reviewed annually.

11. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
• Regular outcome-based assessments • Quarterly progress reports to stakeholders • Participatory feedback tools • External evaluations every three years

12. Risk Management
SCWEI identifies and mitigates risks related to funding, political instability, climate disasters, and stakeholder engagement through scenario planning and contingency policies.

13. Communication & Advocacy
SCWEI will maintain: • A robust online presence • Community outreach programs • Participation in national/international forums • Evidence-based advocacy tools

14. Review and Amendments
This strategic policy shall be reviewed every three years, or earlier if required, based on organizational needs and external changes.

SCWEI Procurement Policy

1. Purpose
This policy ensures that all procurement by SCWEI is conducted with transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness. It aligns with national laws in Pakistan and meets global donor expectations. Read More

2. Scope
Applies to all goods, services, and works procured using SCWEI’s internal funds, donor contributions, or in-kind support, for operations or projects.

3. Core Principles Transparency
Value for Money
Fair Competition
Accountability
Integrity
Sustainability

4. Procurement Thresholds and Methods Procurement Value (PKR)
Upto 20,000
20,001–100,000
Above 100,000

Procurement Method
Direct purchase
Request for Quotations (RFQ) Competitive Bidding Requirements
One written/verbal quote; documented approval by Program/Finance Lead.
Minimum 3 written quotes; price comparison form; documented decision.
Procurement Committee oversight; advertised or invited bids; contract required.

5. Procurement Committee
Formed for procurement above PKR 20,000 and includes:
Executive Director or Board Nominee
Finance/Admin Officer
Program Coordinator or Project Officer
Technical Expert (if applicable)

6. Vendor Eligibility and Registration
SCWEI maintains a Vendor Registry updated annually.
Vendors must provide legal, tax, and operational compliance documentation.
Preference is given to women-led, climate-conscious, or local enterprises.

7. Procurement Planning
Procurement planning is part of annual budgeting.
Emergency procurement requires written justification and executive approval.

8. Code of Conduct Staff involved in procurement must declare no conflict of interest. Gifts, favors, or personal benefits are strictly prohibited.

9. Conflict of Interest Clause Disclosure and recusal are mandatory if any conflict of interest exists.

10. Contract Management All procurement above PKR 100,000 must include written contracts with clear deliverables and timelines.

11. Payment Procedures
Payments via bank transfer or cross cheque.
Cash payments only under PKR 10,000 with proper receipts.

12. Asset Management
All assets are recorded, labeled, and periodically verified.
Disposal of assets follows a transparent and documented process.

13. Documentation & Record-Keeping
All procurement records are kept for at least 5 years and available for audit.

14. Emergency Procurement
Allowed with urgent justification and written executive approval.
Post-procurement review is mandatory.

15. Donor-Specific Requirements
Donor-specific procurement rules will be followed when required and must align with Pakistani laws and SCWEI’s principles.

16. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Audit Quarterly internal reviews. Annual external or donor audits. Corrective action plans are implemented for any deviations.

17. Grievance Mechanism Complaints may be submitted via email or anonymous drop box. All grievances are investigated confidentially and fairly.

18. Policy Review Policy reviewed every two years or earlier if necessary.

19. Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Clause SCWEI maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, bribery, embezzlement, or any form of corruption. All procurement transactions are subject to audit. Violations may lead to termination, blacklisting, and legal action. Staff and vendors are required to report any suspicious activities confidentially.

20. Environmental and Ethical Procurement Clause SCWEI promotes environmentally and socially responsible procurement. Preference is given to suppliers with: Ethical labor practices
Reduced environmental impact Use of recycled or low-carbon materials SCWEI avoids vendors associated with child labor, deforestation, or pollution.

21. Local Economic Empowerment Clause
To support equitable development, SCWEI prioritizes sourcing from: Women-led businesses Small and medium local enterprises (SMEs)
Vendors from underserved or rural areas

22. Confidentiality and Data Protection Clause
Procurement processes and vendor information are confidential. Access is limited to authorized personnel. SCWEI ensures compliance with data protection laws and commits to safeguarding personal, financial, and proprietary information shared by vendors.

23. Blacklisting and Suspension Policy Vendors who breach contracts, deliver substandard goods/services, or engage in misconduct may be suspended or blacklisted for up to 3 years. Due process is followed, including a warning, written explanation, and review by the Procurement Committee.

Research and Policies

Integrating Women Empowerment into Climate Change Initiatives: The Case of Pakistan

Need Analysis of Women Empowerment in Pakistan

Statistic shows that women account for a major share in informal sector labor force and women share in informal sector is 81% out of 5.26 million workers in the said sector, women workers also make up 74%of the informal economy.

Empowering Women: Addressing Gender Inequality in Pakistan

The Sustainable Waste Management's Role in Contributing to 20% Global Emission Reduction

Achieving Zero Emissions: The Path to a Sustainable Future

Empower Women Today

Need Analysis

Pilot Project/Abstract

Women empowerment initiatives Centre Contribution / Pilot Project

Basic needs of women empowerment initiatives center

Get Involved

Donate

Partnership

SCWEI Strategy

SCWEI Procurement Policy

Important Links

Contact us

Research and Policies

Integrating Women Empowerment into Climate Change Initiatives: The Case of Pakistan

Need Analysis of Women Empowerment in Pakistan

Statistic shows that women account for a major share in informal sector labor force and women share in informal sector is 81% out of 5.26 million workers in the said sector, women workers also make up 74%of the informal economy.

Empowering Women: Addressing Gender Inequality in Pakistan

The Sustainable Waste Management's Role in Contributing to 20% Global Emission Reduction

Achieving Zero Emissions: The Path to a Sustainable Future

Empower Women Today​

Need Analysis

Pilot Project/Abstract

Women empowerment initiatives Centre Contribution / Pilot Project

Basic needs of women empowerment initiatives center

Get Involved

Donate

Partnership

SCWEI Strategy

SCWEI Procurement Policy

Important Links

Contact us

Empower Women Today