Recycle Up! Ghana Celebrates New Year with Women Waste Pickers

Recycle Up! Ghana’s Women in Circularity (WIC) Project appreciated the exceptional contributions  of women waste pickers to their communities, in a joyous New Year’s Celebration. The event, held on January 25, was a celebration of a shared vision for a sustainable and green future in the field of plastic waste picking.

Abdulrahim Shaibu-Issah, the Executive Director of Recycle Up! Ghana shared the project’s achievements in 2023 and set the tone for an inspiring event, focused on supporting women in waste management. “I committed to providing you with essential work gear, and I’m pleased to inform you that the gears are now ready. You will receive them today to enhance your safety while performing your duties.”

The event also featured lively discussions with women waste pickers, sharing stories of personal and community development. The waste pickers emphasised the importance of their work in providing for their families and keeping the environment clean. “I work overnight with the intention of cleaning the environment while earning to support my family- Madam Ama Adomah.”

The outstanding women waste pickers were recognized for their dedication, with awards based on the amount of plastic waste collected in 2023. Also as a token of appreciation, working gears were distributed to all, to enhance the safety of the women in their duty stations.

The event embraced a plastic-free theme, using reusable items like ceramic plates, reusable cups, and water dispensers, instead of the commonly known use of single use- plastic bottles and sachets, as well as collaborating with sustainable partners, from decorations to other contributors.

Looking ahead, the WIC Project under Recycle Up! Ghana remains devoted to a world without waste, where women continue to play a vital role in shaping a greener future.