In Kenya, there are more waste pickers than men. This clearly indicates that women, bear the brunt of the impact of plastic pollution, which is not merely environmental but deeply intertwined with pre-existing gender inequalities. Many women find themselves relegated to the informal waste sector, where job security is uncertain, wages are inadequate, and workplace conditions are not unsafe. The rise in plastic waste only complicates these inequities, disproportionately affecting women who are already vulnerable.
Gender-Equitable Employment amidst Kenya's Plastic Predicament
Like many other countries, Kenya is grappling with the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. Amidst this sea of discarded waste, a gendered crisis emerges. Women waste pickers, often hidden figures in the battle against plastic pollution, face daily challenges that demand urgent attention and more gender-responsive solutions.
In Kenya, there are more waste pickers than men. This clearly indicates that women, bear the brunt of the impact of plastic pollution, which is not merely environmental but deeply intertwined with pre-existing gender inequalities. Many women find themselves relegated to the informal waste sector, where job security is uncertain, wages are inadequate, and workplace conditions are not unsafe. The rise in plastic waste only complicates these inequities, disproportionately affecting women who are already vulnerable.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation, the Centre for Environmental Justice and Development (CEJAD), and Women Engage for a Common Future organized a side event during the recently concluded UNEA 6 in Nairobi to highlight the need to provide safe and just working conditions for women working in waste management. A report presented by CEJAD on 'Hazardous Chemicals in Plastic Products and Food Chain in Kenya' touched on the effects of women waste pickers compared to their male counterparts. This report highlights toxic products found in household items such as toys, hair products, kitchen items, and food, which women are primarily in contact with. The research also notes that some of these persistent organic pollutants (POP) are listed under the Stockholm Convention for global elimination, such as Octa Brominated Diphenyl Ethers (OctaBDE), Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD).
One of the pressing concerns highlighted during this hybrid event was the health implications for women waste pickers and their lack of involvement in critical policy decisions. The toxic byproducts of plastic decomposition pose serious health risks. Over the years, various studies have indicated that female waste pickers are more susceptible to respiratory issues and skin ailments due to prolonged exposure. Moreover, the reproductive health of these women is jeopardized, with increased instances of fertility challenges and pregnancy complications casting a long shadow over their overall well-being. In some cases, these women waste-pickers go to "work" with their children, further implicating the minors' health.
Women waste pickers are also not involved in regulations on waste management. Policies implemented without considering the specific needs and challenges faced by women in the informal waste sector would inadvertently exacerbate gender disparities. More often than not, women lack access to protective gear, fair wages, and other social protection needs that further perpetuate gender inequalities within the sector. Speaking in the same forum, Rebecca Muyuga, representing Waste Pickers from Nakuru, called for an inclusive policy-making process that considers the unique challenges women waste pickers’ face, which is crucial for promoting gender equality, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
In Kenya's societal structure, where women often bear the primary responsibility for caregiving with no or minimal monetary compensation, the plastic pollution crisis acquires a deeper resonance. Women waste pickers navigate hazardous conditions while simultaneously shouldering the role of caregivers, exposing their families to the same environmental dangers they grapple with daily. This interconnected web of challenges perpetuates a cycle of vulnerability that demands urgent intervention.
Various policy recommendations were suggested during this interactive session. Formalizing and integrating the informal waste sector into municipal waste management systems can provide women with job security, fair wages, and access to essential benefits. Recognizing their contributions as waste pickers and crucial players in environmental conservation and policy development is critical to dismantling systemic gender biases.
Empowering women through education and training programs is equally critical. By enhancing their understanding of the health risks associated with plastic pollution, these women can become advocates for their own rights. Relevant stakeholders need to develop programs that can also equip them with the skills to transition towards safer and more sustainable waste management practices, breaking free from the cycle of hazardous work conditions while still earning a living.
Moreover, national and county governments and stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors should actively engage in policies promoting gender-equitable employment opportunities in the waste management sector. This includes ensuring equal pay, creating safe working conditions, and providing avenues for career advancement for women waste pickers where possible. In the global context, the Plastic Treaty will be vital in addressing plastic pollution at its full lifecycle rather than at the waste end. The treaty will regulate and control countries' handling of plastics, especially the chemical content of plastic materials, and prohibit materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or plastic-brominated compounds from entering the country.
As Kenya strives to combat plastic pollution, it is essential to recognize that the battle extends beyond environmental conservation; it is a fight for gender justice in the workplace. By acknowledging the specific challenges women waste pickers face and implementing gender-responsive policies, Kenya can pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Only through such concerted efforts can we envision a Kenya where women, as waste pickers, are not just cleaning up the environment but are actively participating in building a healthier, more gender-just society. This way, Kenya will lead in addressing the three planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
A link to the side event organised by Heinrich Boell Foundation, the Centre for Environmental Justice and Development (CEJAD), and Women Engage for a Common Future on sharing good practice on ending plastic pollution and a gender just green transition as the UNEA 6 is available here.