INCORPORATING INFORMAL FEMALE WASTE PICKERS INTO PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF VIETNAM’S POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The vital role of informal female waste pickers (IFWPs) in managing plastic waste in Vietnam is undeniable. Nonetheless, the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in 2024 brings challenges for incorporating this recycling workforce into the plastic waste management system because EPR requires traceability of recyclables. This paper examines Vietnam’s existing policies and regulations that may hinder the incorporation of IFWPs into plastic waste management. A gender-responsive approach was used, including desk evaluations and interviews with experts and target audiences. The findings reveal that IFWPs 's contributions have not been adequately recognized, nor have they been provided with social safety nets. To effectively incorporate IFWPs into the EPR system, the government should enact a law that officially recognizes waste picking as a profession and professionalizes this workforce by incorporating them into more capable organizations.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The views, opinions, and pictures expressed in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the editor and the editorial board. All rights are reserved by the authors and the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies of Mahidol University. No part of this journal may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing from the journal’s editor, or as expressly permitted by law, or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Non-commercial use of information in this journal must be properly referenced.