Empowering Women in Waste Management Event. PHOTO : COURTESY, Pauline Afande
On International Women’s Day, Nairobi wasn’t just celebrating; it was actualizing what’s often spoken about, by taking action as a powerful initiative aimed at empowering women in the waste management sector. In the heart of the city, amidst the bustle of daily life, women are challenging societal norms and transforming waste management. An initiative spearheaded by the Organization of African Youth (OAY), in collaboration with CRAWN Trust Kenya, Barnfonden, WeWorld Kenya, and the Nairobi County Government, brought a spotlight on the often-overlooked yet vital role women play in sustainable development.
They hosted an event themed ‘Empowering Women in Waste Management’ that went beyond the usual expected symbolic gestures, directly addressing the challenges faced by women working in informal settlements. This initiative, centered around the ‘Sikiliza Sauti Yetu, Dunia Inaita! (SSY)’ project, highlighting how addressing climate change can simultaneously unlock economic opportunities for women.
A core focus of the event was to dismantle the stigma surrounding women in waste management, emphasizing the vital role they play in Nairobi’s environmental health. While speaking to Doddy Okelo, the communication strategist for OAY, he stressed the need to recognize these women’s work as equally valuable to any other profession, challenging the common perception that they are merely “garbage collectors.” He highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of pride and dignity, particularly among young mothers and teen parents who often face additional burdens.
“Beyond the stigma, women in waste management encounter significant challenges. Reports of sexual harassment and rape cast a dark shadow over their daily work, and wage inequality persists,” Okelo noted. He went ahead to state that the burden of motherhood is particularly acute, with many women forced to bring their children to work due to a lack of affordable childcare.
Furthermore, Doddy, speaking to Woman Kenya Network, stated that many women lack access to proper safety equipment and training. However, according to him, OAY is actively working with civil society organizations to address these issues, including developing robust reporting mechanisms and providing support for survivors of gender-based violence.
He further noted that the organization is committed to transitioning to a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. This vision is intrinsically linked to women’s empowerment, with women playing a crucial role in driving this change. The event featured representatives from organizations working in this area, emphasizing the importance of waste segregation at the household level as a crucial first step toward sustainability.
This International Women’s Day initiative was not a one-day event, but a catalyst for ongoing change. The commitment to addressing gender-based violence, promoting wage equality, and supporting working mothers is a testament to the dedication of OAY and its partners. The stories shared by the women present served as a powerful reminder of their resilience and determination. They are not merely “garbage collectors,” but environmental stewards, community leaders, and agents of change.
Their voices, once silenced, are now being amplified, demanding recognition, respect, and equal opportunities. As Nairobi moves forward, the lessons learned will continue to resonate. By empowering women in waste management, the city is building a cleaner environment and a more just and equitable society. The journey is far from over, but the women of Nairobi lead the charge, turning waste into opportunity and transforming their communities.
