March 16, 2024

Kathmandu
A conference on the status of women waste workers in Kathmandu was organized today which was participated by more than 200 participants, mostly women waste workers from various parts of Kathmandu. During the conference issues such as occupational health and safety, social security, and leadership issues were discussed. Mr. Navraj Parajuli, Chairperson of the Kathmandu Metropolitan Ward 32 highlighted the important role of women in solid waste management and the need to protect their health and rights. He committed to the active involvement of the ward committee in strengthening waste management and sanitation activities involving local stakeholders. 

During the conference, several experts and practitioners presented their opinion on various issues of women waste workers and their plight. Public Health expert Mr. Ram Saran Pyakurel, GEFONT Vice Chairperson Mr. Bidur Karki, Chairperson of ICA Nepal, Ms. Ishu Subba, Partnership Lead of Doko Recycle Mr. Bhuvan Chalise and Metron of Kathmandu Model Hospital, Ms. Radhika Ghimire highlighted various aspects of waste management and the role of women. Ms. Maya Karki, a local waste worker shared the difficulties of women waste workers in Kathmandu and asked for support in improving their plight. 

The conference also developed a 10-point Kathmandu Declaration on improving the lives of Women Waste Workers and formed a 9-membered committee named United Women Waste Workers Network which will actively participate in implementing resolutions of the conference. The conference was hosted by ICA Nepal with the support of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, Canada.