2023-10-26-世界银行-在南亚塑料废物管理中为妇女建设未来（英）_57页_18mb

Summary

This report highlights the critical role of women in South Asia's plastic waste management sector, emphasizing the need for gender-inclusive approaches to address environmental pollution and promote decent work. Plastic pollution in oceans and waterways has reached crisis levels, with South Asia contributing 8% of global plastic waste and generating 59% from post-consumer sources. Despite being primarily informal, women waste pickers face systemic barriers, including low pay, poor access to resources, and inadequate labor protections. A gender-inclusive strategy is vital for enhancing company efficiency, innovation, and economic growth, while also safeguarding human rights and environmental health.

Key recommendations include formalizing waste management systems by integrating informal workers, particularly women, into sustainable employment opportunities; promoting inclusive stakeholder engagement and mapping existing waste management systems; implementing social and labor protections for waste workers; reducing barriers to education, childcare, and access to capital; and phasing out harmful plastics while supporting reuse and repair livelihoods.

Transformative change is necessary to ensure that waste management solutions prioritize human rights, gender equality, and environmental justice, ultimately contributing to a circular economy and sustainable development in the region.