The country faces a mounting waste problem, with over 140,000 tonnes of solid waste discarded annually in Samoa. Approximately, 1,900 tonnes of plastic waste alone find their way into the environment rather than reaching landfills. 

This uncontrolled waste poses a significant threat to Samoa's ecosystems, which sustain food, water, and air and urgent action is crucial to embrace the principles of the three "Rs" - reduce, reuse, and recycle - to preserve Samoa's natural resources. 

Gender stereotypes often influence labor division, including within the waste management sector. Traditionally, women bear the responsibility of managing household waste, increasing their exposure to health hazards from burning fumes and chemical handling.

However, the waste management sector continues to be predominantly male-driven. As per the 2022 Samoa Labour Force and Child Labour Survey, only 25.4 per cent of the workforce in the "water supply, sewerage, and waste management sector" comprised women.  

These women frequently encounter extra hurdles in accessing opportunities when waste management roles are formalised, depriving them of protections and social benefits. Nevertheless, progress is evident. 

An increasing number of women are rising as leaders in this field and actively working to protect their environment.

Last week, the Women of Waste (W.O.W.), a unique initiative that was launched to mark this year’s International Women’s Day brought together civil society organisations, private companies and entrepreneurs, government officials, and development partners at the Taumeasina Island Resort.

Piloted by the Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association (SWRMA), and supported by its partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, WOW is a taskforce aiming to promote women’s economic empowerment and activism in the waste management sector.

The launch of WOW also attracted a high-profile guest from the United Kingdom – the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, who spoke at the event. 

“The older generations that I am part of hold great responsibility for damaging our environment. It is our collective responsibility to take action for present and future generations," she said.

"I wish to be a voice on the global stage to make people aware of Samoa, the expectations and needs of their people as well as their energy and actions for change,” she said during her keynote speech."

Meanwhile, as Samoa aims to upscale its circular economy, the “Women of Waste” taskforce aims to ensure this emerging sector enables safe, inclusive, and diverse livelihood opportunities and workplaces in Samoa, identifying and mitigating the bias and barriers to employment. It is the first formal initiative of its kind in the Pacific Islands.

As part of the launch, panel discussions featuring recycling organisations, community leaders, government officials, upcycling entrepreneurs, and youth activists were held around waste management challenges and opportunities,

UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita said UNDP is looking forward to supporting this taskforce to help engage communities, empower women with safe, green jobs, and take down the barriers to equal decision-making in this space. 

"Today is the day to discuss together the structural obstacles that women face, but also to celebrate their collective achievements. I am amazed by the creativity and energy shown by these women to give waste a second life,” she added.

“This movement welcomes all willing to drive change, break down barriers and create new career prospects for this generation and the next. We want to create dignified and safe green jobs that benefit both the planet and the people,” said Marina Keil, SWRMA founder.