Policy Considerations for Developing Countries
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Hari Srinivas |
| Policy Analysis Series E-124. February 2022. |
Abstract
The document explores the gender dimensions of electronic waste management and presents the various policy options available to developing countries in terms of four spheres of action that will be needed - governance, education, finance, and technology spheres in the form of a "GEFT Policy Matrix".
Developing countries are facing critical policy priorities to adopt an integrated approach to e-waste management: how do we look at the entire life-cycle of electronic goods to manage e-waste? Since most e-waste processing and recycling is undertaken by women in the informal sector, this brings gender dimensions the fore: What issues do we need to consider in incorporating gender issues in e-waste management? What policies do we need to implement? What can governments, business/industry, and the broader civil society do?
The document outlines interventions at two levels: At the global level, the supportive policies that will create a safe, healthy, and productive working environment for women in the e-waste sector, requiring action in both the "production" countries (i.e., where the e-waste is generated) and in "recycler" countries (i.e., where the e-waste is processed and recycled). At the local level, manufacturers and recyclers will have to work together to achieve and implement solutions in the governance and education spheres.
Keywords
Gender, e-waste, electronic waste, digital divide, environmental impact, recycling, sustainability, social inequality
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References
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