The global transition to a green economy is a necessary response to climate change, one that brings with it the promise of innovation, sustainability, and new opportunities. As countries move towards lowering carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure, a new category of employment is taking root: green jobs. These roles, which span renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and more, are central to the future of work. However, beneath the surface of this promising shift lies a pressing question: who stands to benefit, and who risks being left behind? Specifically, what does the green transition mean for gender equality in the workforce? Globally, the energy sector underrepresents women, making up just 16% of its workforce. Even in the progressive renewable energy sector, the figure rises only to about 32%, with most of those roles in administration or support rather than in technical or leadership positions. This disparity is largely a result of unequal access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Without a strong pipeline of women entering STEM fields, they are shut out of the high-paying, high-growth careers that shape the green economy. In Pakistan, the situation is unambiguous. Women occupy a mere 4% of technical roles in the energy sector. Many female engineering graduates are unemployed or working in non-technical roles. Even when women manage to enter the green workforce, they often face limited mobility into leadership or decision-making roles. This systemic exclusion not only deprives women of opportunity but also weakens the sector by ignoring half of the country’s talent pool. Entrepreneurship, another pillar of the green economy, presents similar challenges for women in Pakistan. While the SBP has introduced Green Banking Guidelines and incentives for green finance, these policies often fail to account for the specific barriers faced by women. Female entrepreneurs frequently lack security, are excluded from influential business networks, and encounter gender biases when dealing with financial institutions. Without support, women-led green enterprises struggle to survive. Moreover, as Pakistan begins to explore carbon credit markets–a potentially lucrative arena involving the trading of emissions reductions–there is another risk of exclusion. If women are not included from the outset, the benefits of this emerging market will disproportionately accrue to men in positions of power. To ensure equity, women must be involved in every stage, from project design and implementation to policy formulation. If the green economy is to be truly inclusive, gender must be at the center of policy and program design. First, we should do more to encourage girls and young women to pursue STEM education. Scholarships, green technology training, and mentorship schemes can help prepare them for technical and leadership roles in green industries. Equally important is making financial systems more accessible. Products tailored to women–such as collateral-free loans, financial literacy programs, and low-interest credit can empower them to launch and expand green businesses. Moreover, building women’s access to professional networks, market information, and government support is essential for levelling the playing field. Representation in decision-making is another key area. Whether it’s national climate policy, community-level green projects, or international sustainability discussions, women must have a seat at the table. Their perspectives and experiences are not just valid–they are vital to creating equitable solutions. Finally, data matters. Governments and institutions should collect and use gender-disaggregated data to monitor progress and guide policymaking in the green economy. Pakistan’s journey toward sustainability does not need to mirror the inequities of the past. By designing gender-sensitive green policies today, we can build not only a cleaner but also a fairer future. Climate action and gender equality are not separate goals–they are two sides of the same coin.