Fighting for Their Livelihoods: How Climate affects Women Cotton Farmers

The textile retail industry has always evolved in response to emerging challenges, with recent years seeing a shift toward sustainable and green supply chain initiatives. While multiple certifications and ISO standards are now in place to promote sustainability—especially within the supply chain—these efforts often fall short. 

For example, the EU’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings and the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), though promising, have yet to fully engage with the textile sector. More importantly, these measures allow the industry to conveniently overlook the struggles of cotton farmers—particularly women—who remain invisible in global sustainability conversations.

Cotton, the most widely used textile fibre globally, has deep historical and economic roots in South Asia.  India and Pakistan are among the world’s top five cotton-producing countries, and millions of women in these regions are the backbone of the cotton industry. Often relegated to “lighter” tasks such as cotton picking and sorting, women carry out highly labor-intensive work while also managing domestic responsibilities.

Agriculture remains a major employer in both countries, accounting for 44% in India and 36% in Pakistan. Within this sector, women make up the majority of the labor force:  58% in India and 65% in Pakistan. In India alone, women perform 70% of the labour in cotton planting and 90% of cotton picking. Yet despite their essential contributions, they face heightened challenges due to both economic instability and the growing impacts of climate change.

These challenges are amplified by existing gender inequalities. Research consistently shows that women are disproportionately affected by disasters due to higher poverty rates, limited mobility, greater exposure to violence, and displacement risks. As UN Women describes it, this leads to a "cycle of vulnerability" that compounds over time.

Climate Change and the Cotton Supply Chain Disconnect

Climate change is already disrupting farming communities through unpredictable weather and extreme events. The 2022 floods in Pakistan devastated key cotton-producing regions, leaving millions homeless. Among the worst affected were women farmers—many of whom were already among the poorest and most marginalized. Rafia Gulani, a women’s activist in Pakistan and chairperson of the Sindh Naari Porhiyat Council, stated:

"When it comes to Pakistan's agriculture, women account for the majority of workers... women are a major casualty of the ongoing monsoon rains."

While these women face the direct impacts of climate change, the international fashion industry—largely dependent on South Asian cotton—remains largely detached from their reality. The disparity between low Human Development Index (HDI) scores in cotton-producing areas and the enormous profits of global fashion brands highlights a growing moral disconnect.

The Role of Consumers

Consumers hold the power to drive meaningful change in the industry. While certifications like Made in Green by OEKO-TEX® offer some assurance of ethical sourcing, they are not enough. A more robust and inclusive framework is needed—one that recognizes and supports the women at the very start of the supply chain. Even a small ethical surcharge on clothing could help fund better wages, disaster relief, and long-term support systems for women cotton farmers in countries like India and Pakistan.

Integrating Sustainability with the Welfare of Women Cotton Farmers

To truly protect women cotton farmers from climate-induced hardship, the fashion industry must go beyond environmental certifications. A new ethical framework should prioritise both sustainability and human rights. This could include:

• Technological innovation in cotton farming.
• Crop insurance to restore livelihoods after disasters.
• Transparent supply chains that connect brands to the farmers growing their cotton.
  

The significant profits of the textile retail sector could be redirected—at least in part—to provide a real stake for cotton producers in the industry’s future.

Investment in agricultural technology and water efficiency could boost agricultural GDP by 17% and 9%, respectively. Meanwhile, empowering female farmers through training in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience is already proving to be a game-changer.

Against Greenwashing

There is a clear disconnect between global fashion brands—especially in fast fashion—and the cotton farmers bearing the brunt of climate change. While companies greenwash their supply chains for public approval, the real cost is borne by the women whose labor sustains the industry.

LIFYA’s data-driven sustainability assessments strive to bridge the gap between the textile retail industry and conscious consumers. Through its online marketplace, the platform evaluates product sustainability and connects shoppers with ethically responsible brands.

By raising awareness and building direct connections between fashion and farming communities, we can move toward a truly ethical and resilient cotton supply chain. This not only uplifts women farmers but strengthens the entire industry in the face of future challenges.

By Rizwan Akbar Ali
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