Women’s Contribution To Environmental Sustainability In District Peshawar: A Quantitative Data Analysis Across Age Groups

Abstract

This study examines how age influences women’s awareness, attitudes, and participation in environmental sustainability in District Peshawar. The data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed by chi-square tests to understand differences across age groups in environmental knowledge, practices, decision-making, and women’s roles in sustainability. The findings show that younger and middle-aged women (mainly 21–40 years) generally have higher awareness of environmental sustainability and better knowledge of environmental issues compared to older women. Awareness of major environmental problems such as pollution, climate change, waste management, and water scarcity are similar across all age groups, showing that these concerns are shared by everyone. However, belief in women’s role in environmental protection, support for women’s leadership, and interest in environmental training are stronger among younger and middle-aged respondents. Women’s participation in environmental activities such as waste management, water conservation, tree plantation, home gardening, composting, food preservation, and reuse of water is higher among younger and middle-aged groups, while older women show mixed or lower participation in some practices. Activities like encouraging families not to waste food and composting kitchen waste are common across all ages, showing no major age differences. The study also finds that women play an important role in household environmental decision-making, especially in younger and middle-aged groups. Cultural and social barriers affect women of all ages, though these barriers are reported more strongly by some age groups. Participation in green businesses and eco-friendly entrepreneurship is highest among women aged 26–35, while access to government or NGO support varies by age and remains limited for many women. in human language.