20-12-2024 | di COOPI

Venezuela. Women leading sustainability through recycling.

In Caracas, Venezuela, women are spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to tackle waste management challenges while promoting sustainability. Supported by COOPI -Cooperazione Internazionale in partnership with Tinta Violeta and funded by the European Union, the project “Ensuring a participatory urban solid waste management system managed by women in the Capital District of Venezuela”  focuses on empowering women to lead recycling efforts, creating economic opportunities and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.

One of the project’s most notable achievements is the creation of TRAMUCO, a cooperative managed by 72 women, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence or economic hardship. Through this initiative, women have been trained in waste management and business administration, enabling them to turn waste into valuable resources while independently managing their cooperative. The establishment of a recycling plant in a newly prepared warehouse further amplifies the project’s impact, generating income and encouraging local residents to adopt sustainable practices.

Thanks to the actions promoted by the project, over 3,600 people have directly benefited from training and waste management activities, gaining valuable skills and access to new opportunities. Awareness campaigns have reached more than 30,000 individuals across seven parishes in Caracas. TRAMUCO’s 72 members are now economically independent and serve as community leaders in sustainability.

Rosmary Blanco, a member of TRAMUCO, reflects on her experience: 

Before this project, I struggled to support my family after losing my job. Today, I have the tools to change my life and help my community embrace sustainability. Together, we are leading this transformation.”

 

Caracas, like many urban centers in Venezuela, faces critical environmental and social challenges. Irregular garbage collection, inadequate recycling systems, and the accumulation of waste pose significant health and environmental risks. Against this backdrop, the initiative not only addresses the waste crisis but also empowers women as agents of change, fostering a circular economy and driving community-driven solutions.

Since 2019, COOPI has been actively working in Venezuela, implementing programs in food security, health, WASH, and protection. This project is a testament to COOPI’s commitment to empowering vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable, long-term development. Through innovative approaches like TRAMUCO, COOPI continues to support communities in building resilience and achieving sustainability.