Gender and Waste Nexus: Experiences from Bhutan, Mongolia and Nepal

Waste collector, Kathmandu. Photo by iStock/Kristin Greenwood.

At present, Bhutan, Mongolia and Nepal do not collect gender-disaggregated statistics and information on the waste sector in any systematic way, though this is a change needed if they are to develop evidence- based and gender-sensitive policies. Collecting gender-disaggregated data for all relevant waste sector indicators in order to measure impacts and results will provide important benchmarks against which any changes within the sector can be assessed. Gender norms and inequalities exist within, and in turn structure, almost all aspects of waste management. Waste sector reforms will therefore only be effective and

sustainable if they adopt a gender perspective and are committed to ensuring gender equality. Implementing policies to bring about such reforms within the waste sector will not only accelerate the three governments’ ability to meet their broader international and national equality commitments, but will also encourage other economic and social sectors to focus on achieving gender equality.

Gender and waste nexus

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