Recycling Heroes: The Women Changing the World
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In the global movement towards sustainability, women have emerged as pivotal figures in revolutionizing recycling practices. From grassroots initiatives to leading organizations, these sustainability champions are making a significant impact in reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. This article explores inspiring female recycling leaders who are transforming waste into valuable resources while empowering communities worldwide.
Isatou Ceesay is empowering women and transforming waste in Gambia
In the small village of N’jau, The Gambia, Isatou Ceesay saw firsthand how plastic pollution devastated her community. Determined to create change, she launched the Recycling Centre of N’Jau. Later renamed the Gambia Women’s Initiative1, it educates women on repurposing plastic waste into sellable products like purses and bags. This initiative not only addresses the plastic pollution crisis but also provides financial independence to women. Follow Gambia Women’s Initiative on Instagram.
Nzambi Matee is innovating plastic pollution solutions in Kenya
Nzambi Matee, a Kenyan engineer and female eco-entrepreneur, was deeply troubled by the excessive plastic waste in Nairobi. In response, she founded Gjenge Makers, a company that recycles plastic waste into durable and affordable building materials.2 Her factory has repurposed over 20 tonnes of plastic waste, creating bricks that are stronger than concrete. Matee’s work not only contributes to sustainability but also supports green building solutions and waste management efficiency. Follow Nzambi Matee and Gjenge Makers on Instagram or visit the website https://www.gjenge.co.ke/.
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is transforming waste management in Nigeria
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola returned to Nigeria after studying in the United States with the goal of addressing Lagos’s waste management crisis. She founded Wecyclers, an initiative that collects recyclable waste from households using low-cost cargo bicycles.3 It uses a point-based reward system that encourages residents to participate, promoting responsible waste disposal while creating economic opportunities. Follow Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola or visit the website Wecyclers.com
Shilshila Acharya is pioneering plastic recycling in Nepal
Shilshila Acharya, an environmental scientist from Nepal, has been instrumental in advancing plastic recycling initiatives in her country. As the leader of Avni Ventures, one of Nepal’s largest plastic recycling networks, she has implemented campaigns like “No Thanks, I Carry My Own Bag,” which led to a ban on plastic shopping bags in Kathmandu.4 Additionally, her annual Himalayan clean-up project has removed 119 tonnes of rubbish left by mountaineers since 2019. Follow Shilshila Acharya on Instagram or visit the website Avni Center for Sustainability.
Rhea Mazumdar Singhal is pioneering sustainable packaging in India
Indian entrepreneur Rhea Mazumdar Singhal founded Ecoware, a company producing biodegradable disposable products to combat plastic pollution. Her efforts have pioneered the sustainable food packaging industry in India, offering eco-friendly alternatives that turn into soil in just 90 days after disposal.5 In recognition of her contributions, she received the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honor for women, in 2019. Follow Rhea Singhal on Instagram and visit the website Ecoware.
Empowering women in waste management
Beyond individual initiatives, organizations like Women in Solid Waste & Recycling (WISR) support and promote women’s leadership in waste management. Co-founded by Rachel Oster and Erin Merrill, WISR provides mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development resources for female innovators in waste management and sustainability.
Studies show that integrating gender perspectives into waste management can lead to more effective recycling and waste reduction outcomes.6 Women are often responsible for household waste management and can influence sustainable community practices. Promoting gender inclusivity in the recycling sector enhances resource efficiency, reduces pollution, and strengthens social equity.
The impact of women in the circular economy movement
Women changing the world through sustainability efforts are also key drivers of the circular economy movement. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that empowering women in sustainability can result in greater innovation and stronger environmental policies. From repurposing waste materials to introducing new recycling technologies, female-led initiatives play a crucial role in minimizing landfill waste and promoting eco-conscious consumerism.
Challenges and the path forward
Despite the successes of these sustainability champions, women in waste management still face challenges such as limited access to funding, gender biases, and health risks associated with handling waste. Addressing these barriers requires:
- Increased access to financing for female eco-entrepreneurs
- Policies that promote gender equality in environmental sectors
- Safe working conditions for waste pickers and recyclers
Governments, corporations, and non-profits must work together to support women in sustainability, ensuring that more female innovators in waste management and sustainability have the resources to expand their efforts.
Organizations like Plastic Bank are seeing women increasingly take on leadership roles within our communities in efforts to create lasting, meaningful change. Whether through small-scale recycling programs or large-scale waste management solutions, women are truly making a difference in the world.As we strive for a greener future, let us support women-led sustainability projects and organizations that promote social and environmental impact. Join the movement to reduce plastic waste, support female recycling leaders, and build a sustainable world for all: www.plasticbank.com/impact
- Mike Mwenda, “‘Queen of Recycling’ Isatou Ceesay fights plastic pollution in The Gambia,” Lifegate Daily, March 30, 2023, https://www.lifegate.com/queen-of-recycling-isatou-ceesay-fights-plastic-pollution-in-the-gambia
- “Kenyan startup founder Nzambi Matee recycles plastic to make bricks that are stronger than concrete,” World Architecture Community, February 12, 2021, https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/egmeg/kenyan-startup-founder-nzambi-matee-recycles-plastic-to-make-bricks-that-are-stronger-than-concrete.html
- Chad Silverstein, “Purpose Before Profit: Bilikiss and Olawale Adebiyi Of Wecyclers On The Benefits Of Running A Purpose-Driven Business,” Authority Magazine, March 26, 2024, https://medium.com/authority-magazine/purpose-before-profit-bilikiss-and-olawale-adebiyi-of-wecyclers-on-the-benefits-of-running-a-c48c2de9a7f3
- “Climate Pioneer Shilshila Acharya listed among BBC 100 Women 2024,” The Kathmandu Post, December 3, 2024, https://kathmandupost.com/climate-environment/2024/12/03/climate-pioneer-shilshila-acharya-listed-among-bbc-100-women-2024
- Kartik Sood, “This Entrepreneur Makes Tableware that Turn into Soil in 90 days,” Entrepreneur India, March 1, 2019, https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/how-rhea-singhal-made-tableware-that-turn-into-soil-in-90/329270
- “Why gender dynamics matter in waste management,”United Nations Environment Programme, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/why-gender-dynamics-matter-waste-management
- “Gender equality for greener and bluer futures,” International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, March 2024, https://iucn.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/2024-gender-equality-for-greener-and-bluer-futures.pdf
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