RUG ,formerly RecycleUp Ghana, has been empowering women waste pickers in several ways. Speaking to Akostik Gh Media, Faustina Adomako Mensah, the Project Coordinator for the RUG Incubation Program has indicated that RUG is interested in the well-being of the Women Waste Pickers. She emphasized on the importance of these women in the society.
WOMEN WASTE PICKERS
Waste pickers are informal workers who gather, sort and sell waste materials. Usually women find themselves engaging in this endeavor. Women waste pickers play a critical role in reducing plastic pollution by collecting and sorting waste from homes, streets, and dumpsites. While engaging in this important endeavor, they face numerous challenges; health challenges being the most challenging.
The Challenges They Face
Operating at the lowest level of the recycling value chain, these women work under difficult conditions, often without proper protective equipment. Their efforts are met with low and inconsistent income, health risks, and social stigma, yet they continue to contribute immensely to environmental sustainability.
What We Do at Recycle Up Ghana (RUG)
RUG is privileged to support these women through our Women in Circularity Initiative, which focuses on:
Improving Health and Safety: Providing PPEs and health insurance.
Empowering Through Training: Organizing workshops to enhance their skills.
Creating Jobs: Building a recycling hub to process 80 tons of plastic waste monthly, offering 15-20 employment opportunities with 80% reserved for women.
Why It Matters
RUG is on a mission to drive sustainable change by empowering women waste pickers, RUG is addressing the dual challenges of plastic waste and gender inequality, making a meaningful impact on lives and the environment.
