THE GENDERED IMPACT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION

Plastic pollution is a global issue, but it is important to remember that the countries that generate the most plastic waste are also some of the most affluent and well developed countries. Even though these countries produce the most plastic, people living in vulnerable or disadvantaged areas around the world suffer most from plastic waste pollution, from plastic leaks and toxins released by improper waste management. Everyone from these communities are affected by  plastic waste but women are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to  clear plastic waste from their communities. 

E.S. Okeke et al., 2022 underscores that plastic use varies from region to region, but Africa ranks second only to Asia as a insatiable consumer of plastic that breaks down into microplastics. This is due to factors like poor waste management and increased plastic waste export to the African continent. According to the United Nations Environmental agency, the world is flooded with plastic waste. Every year, more than 400 million tones are reproduced, half of which are designed for single use plastic . As a result, large quantities of plastic remain in the environment for an extended period of time, posing serious risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, huge amounts of plastic persist for long periods in the environment  with hazardous effects on the health and wellbeing of people and the planet.  Now countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania , Ethiopia, Senegal and Kenya are finding themselves flooded with plastic waste. This is overwhelmingly affecting socially marginalized people and women in particular (Wakunuma 2021).

Earth day 2024 will focus on plastic pollution solutions as part of the #PlanetvsPlastic campaign. This day reminds us of the importance of people's actions when it comes to plastic pollution and outlines some of the measures that governments and companies are taking to address the issue. Plastic pollution will be a major topic of discussion throughout the day. Microplastics are one of the most devastating and long-lasting consequences of the plastic crisis. According to UNEP's 2021 report, "Pollution to Solution", chemicals in micro-plastics have been linked to serious health risks, particularly in women (UNEP,2023) Speaking at a side event titled "Plastic Poison and Women’s Health", environmental engineer and Nexus3 Foundation co-founder Yuyun ISMAWATI said, "Women are exposed to those chemicals through water and toothpaste and other cosmetic products" ( Atieno, 2024)

As we focus on efforts to beat plastic pollution, the fight goes beyond the eyesore garbage from our neighborhoods. Instead, like many development challenges addressing plastic pollution is intrinsically linked to other sectors Furthermore, the challenge is also gendered and affects women and men differently. Often, women also get more exposure to microplastic wastes than men In Uganda, for example, 8 in ten people who collect plastic waste are women and thus exposed to the dangers of pervasive micro-plastic wastes on their body. These  include substances that have been linked to miscarriages and cancer ( Alabi et al, 2019). 

Developmental challenges like plastic pollution require a myriad of  solutions that recognise the interconnectedness of sectors and actors. It is not enough to just tackle plastic pollution from the viewpoint of environmental solutions, but an increased requirement to introduce other actors and panthers in the fight, sectors like trade and  manufacturing , gender, youth and social development among others.

ARTICLE REFERENCES

Alabi, O. A., Awosolu, O., & Alalade, O. E. (2019, April 12). Public and Environmental Health Effects of Plastic Wastes Disposal: A Review. ClinMed International Library. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijtra/international-journal-of-toxicology-and-risk-assessment-ijtra-5-021.php?jid=ijtra

Atieno, S. (2024, March 4). Plastics: Reduction, Alternative Options Crucial as Women More Vulnerable – Science Africa. Science Africa. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://scienceafrica.co.ke/2024/03/04/plastics-reduction-alternative-options-crucial-as-women-more-vulnerable-2/

Landrigan, P. J., Brunner, M., & Raps, H. (n.d.). The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Annals of Global Health. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://annalsofglobalhealth.org/articles/10.5334/aogh.4056

Okeke, E. S., Olagbaju, O. A., Okoye, C. O., Addey, C. I., Chukwudozie, K. I., & Okoro, J. O. (2022, September 13). Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 12, 1-18. Microplastic burden in Africa: A review of occurrence, impacts, and sustainability potential of bioplastics

UNEP. (2021, October 21). Drowning in Plastics – Marine Litter and Plastic Waste Vital Graphics. UNEP. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/drowning-plastics-marine-litter-and-plastic-waste-vital-graphics

Wakunuma, K. (2021, October 22). Plastic waste is hurting women in developing countries – but there are ways to stop it. The Conversation. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://theconversation.com/plastic-waste-is-hurting-women-in-developing-countries-but-there-are-ways-to-stop-it-166596