Monday
September 26
2022

Empowering Rural Women

By Ashley Kim,

In the year 2022, in addition to a vast array of accomplishments, a multitude of global issues remain unresolved. Women in general continue to face difficulties within a society rooted in patriarchal traditions.​ According to the UN Women and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), women living in rural areas are subject to additional challenges such as limited access to public services and even the bare necessities. Moreover, gender-based violence, financial barriers, and exclusion from decision-making opportunities are more acute in sparsely populated areas.

In the midst of technological innovation, natural ecosystems continue to face destruction and pollution. Focusing solely on the mere production of global plastic waste, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that the world produces around 450 million tons of plastic annually. With the majority of plastics being single-use, approximately 36 percent of all plastics are used in packaging.

Considering these difficulties, a new packaging business located in Cameroon strives to reduce plastic consumption and empower rural women in their local communities. Women-owned and impact-driven, Product Related to Agricultural Sector (PRA) produces 100 percent compostable and biodegradable packaging from recycled paper and discarded plantain stems.

Photo courtesy of Hưng Hải Bùi.

Source: Impact Entrepreneur (link opens in a new window)

Categories
WASH
Tags
gender equality, rural development, women entrepreneurs