Pakistani shepherdess and a dedicated midwife have been recognized among the BBC's 100 inspiring and influential women for 2023.

This year's list not only recognizes individual accomplishments but also emphasises the collective efforts of women working tirelessly to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts.

Afroze-Numa: Shepherdess defying tradition

Afroze-Numa, hailing from the remote Shimshal valley, stands out as one of the last Wakhi shepherdesses.

For nearly three decades, she has tended to goats, yaks, and sheep, preserving a centuries-old tradition that is slowly fading in the mountainous regions of Pakistan.

Notably, Afroze-Numa, who was the first woman in Shimshal Valley to own a pair of shoes, takes her flocks to pastures at an astonishing 4,800 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level, continuing the legacy passed down by her mother and grandmothers.

Neha Mankani: Midwife's compassion amidst crisis

The second Pakistani woman earning a spot on the prestigious list is Neha Mankani, a compassionate midwife whose efforts during last year's record-breaking floods have not gone unnoticed.

Through her charity, Mama Baby Fund, Mankani provided life-saving birthing kits and midwifery care to more than 15,000 families affected by the deluge.

Her focus on low-resourced settings, emergency response, and climate-affected communities has been a beacon of hope for those in dire need.

Mama baby fund

Mama Baby Fund, founded by Mankani, has not only been a lifeline for mothers in distress but has also raised sufficient funds to launch a groundbreaking initiative.

A boat ambulance, the first of its kind, will now transport pregnant women living in coastal communities to nearby hospitals and clinics for urgent treatment.

This innovative approach underscores the organization's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by communities affected by climate-related disasters.

Midwives as first responders

Speaking about the crucial role of midwives in the face of climate-related disasters, Mankani emphasized, "We are both first responders and climate activists, who make sure women can continue to receive the reproductive, pregnancy, and postpartum care they need, even when the situation around them is deteriorating."

This acknowledgment highlights the vital intersection between women's health and climate resilience.

Among the 100 women celebrated globally, Afroze-Numa and Neha Mankani share the spotlight with renowned figures such as Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney, Aitana Bonmatí, Timnit Gebru, Gloria Steinem, America Ferrera, and Huda Kattan.