Advancing Women’s Leadership in Sustainable Waste Management: Insights from Vietnam

Bangkok, 29 March 2024

SEA circular project collaborated with the Vietnam National University (VNU), in facilitating the integration of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation in marine plastic litter management in Vietnam with the role of women in the informal sector, which aimed to amplify women’s contributions to waste collection and combat pollution.

Contributing to Vietnam’s `National Action Plan on the Management of Plastic Waste in the Ocean until 2030’, the collaboration has bolstered capacity and provided support for the plan’s execution through three key activities: i) conducting research on pertinent laws and policies for implementing the National Action Plan; ii) hosting training workshops to advocate for EPR and highlight the role of women in the informal plastic waste treatment sector; and iii) evaluating the feasibility of integrating and enhancing the curriculum content on marine pollution, plastic waste, and management within the Master of Law program. Training workshops were conducted in both Hanoi and Hai Phong cities with the aim of raising awareness among stakeholders.

The project closing event took place in Hai Phong, Vietnam, with enlightening field trips to Tan Vu port and Pha Rung Shipyard to shed light on practical waste management in Vietnam setting. Bringing together a diverse group of 80 participants, including beneficiaries of training workshops, educators, students from various institutions, and representatives from government bodies, businesses, and NGOs, the meeting fostered discussions on sustainable waste management practices and the empowerment of women in the informal waste sector.

The post event evaluation unveiled an impressive 98% surge in awareness regarding the pivotal role of women in the informal sector among participants.

About SEA circular project

The SEA circular project – Reducing marine litter by addressing the management of the plastic value chain in Southeast Asia is implemented by the UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), with funding support from the Government of Sweden. SEA circular aims to reduce and prevent plastic pollution and its impact by working with governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and international partners. The initiative promotes market-based solutions and enabling policies to transform plastic value-chain management, strengthens the science base for informed decision making, creates outreach and awareness. The project leverages COBSEA’s regional mechanism to tackle the transboundary challenge of marine litter in a harmonized manner.

Contact Us

Website: www.sea-circular.org
Email: sea-circular@un.org