Recycling programme providing for families in Samoa's capital

A project turning plastic waste into colourful bags is enhancing economic security for families living in and around Samoa's capital, Apia.

Implemented by the UN Women Fund for Gender Equality and the Samoa Victims Support Group, Nofotane, is training young married women to learn new skills and mitigate climate change.

Talamua Online reports the project is taking plastic waste off the streets like coffee sachets and rice bags.

More than 3000 women have received training, particularly from around the Vaitele industrial area and more than 400 now earn a living from their new skills.

The organisers said the project was not about changing cultural perspectives but aimed to improve the economic empowerment of women and increase their participation in domestic and community matters.