With a shared mission to amplify the voices of “ unrecognized Zero waste warriors” – the women who quietly collect recyclable waste every day, – GreenHub, in collaboration with the Phu Yen Women’s Union, organized a series of capacity-building workshops in April for over 130 women waste informal workers in Phu Hoa District, Tuy Hoa City, and Dong Hoa District.

 The workshops focused on practical topics to improve work efficiency and daily life for participants, including team organization, effective communication and negotiation in their work, and personal financial management. These are foundational skills that help women strengthen their livelihoods and confidently affirm their roles in the community.

The workshops offered more than just knowledge – they reignited confidence, pride, and a strong sense of belonging for women who protect our environment every day through their essential yet often overlooked work in collecting, sorting, and redirecting recyclable materials away from landfills and into the circular economy. As informal waste workers, these women play a crucial frontline role in reducing plastic pollution, promoting resource recovery, and supporting community-level waste management – yet they are rarely recognized or supported..

Teambuilding activities and discussions to establish Women Recyclers’ Clubs created an open and supportive atmosphere for all participants.

These new clubs serve as essential platforms for women to share, learn, and support each other, while also affirming the value of informal recycling work in the community.

100% of participants learnt at least one useful skill, felt more confident in their roles, and expressed their desire to continue engaging in the Women Recyclers’ Clubs - where they can connect, share experiences, enhance professional skills, and gradually improve their income, working conditions, and social standing.

GreenHub believes that empowerment and capacity-building through training and connection is the first step toward ensuring that the voices of women informal waste workers are heard, acknowledged, and recognized as key contributors to environmental protection and waste management.

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This activity is part of the project “Empowering Phu Yen women informal waste workers: Collaboration & Capacity strengthening” – funded by the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) and implemented by GreenHub.

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Trung tâm Hỗ trợ Phát triển Xanh - GreenHub

Cùng hành động vì một Việt Nam xanh

Mail: [email protected]

Web: www.greenhub.org.vn