Social and Gender Inclusion

Throughout both project phases, it was noticed that a significant number of CBO waste collectors were women. They mainly collected waste in the neighbourhoods, collected household fees and kept CBO records. Many of them were also elected to play the chair role in several CBOs. Notably, in the recycling sector, female employees predominantly sorted and packed recyclables, while the men were tasked with the heavier duties like handling the machines. Furthermore, at both the beneficiary and policy level, it was important to ensure that women’s voices were heard and that their participation in community decision making was encouraged and supported.