Plastic waste is a problem.

It is potentially toxic, microplastic is polluting the planet and there is simply too much of it. Women play an important role in plastic waste management, mostly in the informal sector. Women also play a key role in producing alternatives to plastics.

This project explores the role of women in plastic waste management in Rwanda and Zambia and how they contribute to solving the problem of plastic waste. Based on this knowledge, strategies to improve inclusive engagement in the waste management sector are identified. The project is part of a larger program funded by the UN BRS Conventions Secretariat, which aims at the implementation of inclusive and effective systems of plastic waste management by the environmental agencies in Rwanda and Zambia. The project will learn from good practices on women’s role in sustainable waste management systems to share replicable solutions with other countries and stakeholders globally.

Link to global plastic pollution negotiations

The project comes at an important time, as global negotiations are underway where the governments of the world are trying to agree how to reduce plastic pollution. The aim is to have a global treaty to end plastic pollution, that will address all aspects of the life-cycle of plastics, from production to waste. African countries like Rwanda have been playing a very important and positive role in these negotiations. Hardly any plastic production takes place in Africa, but a lot of waste, from e.g. Europe and the US, has been send to Africa, and is a source of pollution and negative health impacts. With WECF partners, we have been actively engaged in the series of negotiations for the global plastic treaty. At each round of negotiations, we have initiated a meeting for female delegates from governments, science and civil society to learn from each other about our priorities for a plastic treaty that will ensure best protection of health – and understanding the health dimensions that differ between sexes – and that ensures full participation of women at all levels, and equal rights and opportunities through gender-transformative institutional mechanisms.

For further reading, we refer you to the following articles: 

· You can read more about gender dimensions of the plastics treaty .

· Read about the 4th round of plastic negotiations in Canada we organised our first women’s delegate lunch.

· Or learn more about the 5th round, in Korea, where we continued engaging with the female negotiators.

· In Geneva we were there when at round 5.2 with another women’s delegate meeting.