Clean and Green: UNFPA’s sanitation and waste management program empowers women and girls

Clean and Green: Empowering women and girls through sanitation and waste management

Empowering women and girls through sanitation and waste management

Across the globe, access to sanitation and responsible waste management are fundamental human rights. However, for millions of women and girls, these basic facilities and services are unavailable or insufficient. This exclusion compromises their health, safety, and dignity. UNFPA’s Clean and Green program tackles this critical issue by addressing sanitation and waste management challenges in a holistic way, empowering women and girls in the process.

Program Highlights:

• Improved access to sanitation: The program focuses on promoting the construction and utilization of gender-inclusive sanitation facilities, ensuring girls and women have a safe and private space.
• Enhanced waste management: Through waste collection, sorting, and recycling programs, the initiative reduces environmental pollution and creates economic opportunities.
• Skills development: Training programs are provided to women and girls, equipping them with the necessary skills to manage sanitation systems and engage in waste reduction activities.
• Community participation: The program fosters community involvement by encouraging gender-inclusive participation in planning, implementation, and monitoring of sanitation and waste management initiatives.

Positive Impacts:

• Improved health and hygiene for women and girls
• Increased school attendance for girls
• Reduced gender-based violence and harassment
• Enhanced economic opportunities through recycling and waste-related jobs
• Increased community participation and ownership of sanitation and waste management solutions

Clean and Green in action:

The program has been implemented in various countries worldwide, demonstrating its adaptability and efficacy in diverse contexts. In one instance, in Uganda, the project facilitated the construction of 300 gender-inclusive latrines, benefiting 1,800 people. In another, in Bangladesh, women and girls were trained in waste segregation and composting techniques, leading to significant reductions in organic waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the primary focus of the Clean and Green program?

The program primarily aims to improve access to sanitation and promote responsible waste management, particularly for women and girls.

2. How does the program empower women and girls?

Through skills development, training, and employment opportunities, the program enhances women’s and girls’ capacity to manage sanitation systems and engage in waste reduction activities.

3. What are the environmental benefits of the program?

Clean and Green promotes sustainable waste management practices, reducing environmental pollution and conserving natural resources.

4. How does the program address gender inequality?

The program tackles gender disparities in access to sanitation and waste management services, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

5. What is the funding source for the program?

The Clean and Green program benefits from various funding sources, including government grants, private sector partnerships, and philanthropic contributions.