The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday has launched a PHP75-million project that would help women working in Metro Manila’s solid waste and recycling sectors gain access to business and livelihood opportunities.
The four-year Women in Waste’s Economic Empowerment (WWEE) project would provide business and personal empowerment training, as well as funding and mentorship opportunities so that women in these sectors can continue to support their families and further contribute to the country’s economy.
“USAID is pleased to work with the government of the Philippines, private sector, and non-governmental organizations to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, all while turning the tide on ocean plastics,” USAID Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan said.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the EcoWaste Coalition and the Johns Hopkins University Self-Empowerment and Equity for Change (SEE Change) Initiative.
Joining Callahan during the launch were partners from the local governments of Parañaque City and Pasig City; Linis Ganda, the widest junk shop network in the Philippines; and the Rotary Club of Alabang Madrigal Business Club.
The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also soon join the program’s roster of supporting partners.
This latest initiative is part of USAID’s five-year, USD48-million (approximately PHP2.4-billion) Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, which works globally to target plastic pollution.
In the Philippines, CCBO is working with partners in three engagement sites —Manila Bay (via Las Piñas and Pasig Cities), Batangas Province and City, and Iloilo Province and City — to identify, test, and scale locally-driven solutions to promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and enhance solid waste management systems.
Source: Philippines News Agency
