Global Recycling Foundation celebrates International Women’s Day

The foundation has said that “women play pivotal roles” in the recycling industry, from informal waste collectors sorting materials in communities to the executives leading global initiatives.

But according to the body, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the industry.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, #InspireInclusion, wants people to imagine a world where every voice is listened to, diverse viewpoints are respected, and both men and women have equal representation in decision-making processes, including boardrooms.

The Foundation wants to promote #InspireInclusion and encourage full participation to empower women in the recycling sector.

It aims to create an environment where women thrive, take on leadership roles, and collaborate effectively with their male counterparts to drive sustainability efforts.

Advancement

Susie Burrage OBE, vice president of GRF, said: “Supporting the advancement of women in the recycling sector is crucial. Their executive insight often introduces unique perspectives and innovative solutions, which ultimately drives positive change within the industry.”

History

International Women’s Day is observed annually on 8 March and highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and the prevention of violence and abuse against women. It emerged from labour movements in North America and Europe in the early 20th century and has its roots in the female suffrage movement.

The first recorded instance of a “Women’s Day” was organised by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on 28 February 1909.

This event sparked a proposal at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Germany for an annual “special Women’s Day” and in the following year the first demonstrations and commemorations of International Women’s Day began throughout Europe.

Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, International Women’s Day gained national holiday status on March 8 and was subsequently celebrated on this date by socialist and communist movements and countries.

International Women’s Day was embraced by the global feminist movement in the 1960’s became a global holiday in 1977 after receiving an endorsement from the United Nations.