On June 26th, we participated in the internal event “Gender and Environment in Perspective”, organized by the Gender Group of GIZ Ecuador. This space sought to open a necessary conversation about how structural gender inequalities intersect with environmental challenges, especially in territories where cooperation projects are implemented.
This year, the focus is urgent: to put an end to plastic pollution. From ReciVeci we were invited to share our experience through a presentation by our colleague Edicson Gamba, Chief of Operations, who presented the approach to recycling with a gender perspective that we have been building from the ground up.
During the intervention, the concept of Just Ton, the use of technological innovation for the traceability of recyclable waste and the projects we develop together with basic recyclers. These actions not only contribute to improving their working conditions, but they also help to transform historically marginalized realities, making visible the value of their work and their key role in waste management.
One of the most significant moments was the collective dialogue on the need for recognize recycling as an essential environmental task that often falls on women in conditions of informality. According to data from the United Nations Ecuador, in our country there are approximately 20,000 people dedicated to recycling, and in the cities of the Sierra, 70% are women, of which 90% do not have access to social security and have an average monthly income of just $218.
At ReciVeci®, we believe that there is no sustainability without equity, and no circular economy without social justice. For this reason, spaces like this motivate us to continue leading the way with more dialogue, listening and real commitment.
We thank GIZ Ecuador for convening us, and our colleague Sofía Baque, Head of Alliances and Impact Projects, for accompanying this meeting and strengthening the presence of ReciVeci in these urgent conversations.
We take with us reflections, ideas and the certainty that caring for the planet is only possible if we also take care of the conditions of those who support it every day.
