US launches P75 million project to help women in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), yesterday launched a four-year project that will help women working in Metro Manila’s solid waste and recycling sectors gain access to business and livelihood opportunities.

The USAID’s Women in Waste’s Economic Empowerment (WWEE) project worth P75 million aims to provide business training as well as funding and mentorship opportunities so that women can continue to support their families and contribute to the Philippine economy.

“USAID is pleased to work with the government of the Philippines, private sector and non-government organizations to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, all while turning the tide on ocean plastics,” USAID acting mission director Sean Callahan said.

The launching was attended by partners from the local governments of Parañaque and Pasig, the Rotary Club of Alabang Madrigal Business Club, and Linis Ganda, the biggest junk shop network in the country.

The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will soon join the program’s roster of supporting partners.

The WWEE project, implemented in partnership with the EcoWaste Coalition and Johns Hopkins University Self-Empowerment and Equity for Change Initiative, is part of USAID’s five-year, $48-million Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program that works globally to eliminate plastic pollution.