More than 100 bokashi composters from the country’s four regions have received protective clothing for use in their daily waste management businesses as they turn waste into wealth under the UNDP-supported Empowering Youth and Women with Green Skills for NDC Implementation Project. 

The items, including gloves, overalls, hats, and safety boots were handed to the participants on 29 February at the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) premises.

The Empowering Youth and Women with Green Skills for NDC Implementation project – funded under the UNDP Nature, Climate and Energy Funding Windows – aims to build the capacity of youth and women to participate in the green economy. The full project was implemented with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), EEA and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBOARD). EEA, in partnership with 13 municipalities, is responsible for the waste management part of the project.

“As UNDP, we are so happy to also play a part in helping unemployed women and we also hope that the PPE donated to them today will help them as they continue with their businesses,” said UNDP Sustainability Specialist, Mangaliso Mohammed.

“I’d like to plead with all those who have benefited from the project that they should work hard and be exemplary so that other people can see value in their work,” said Thabiso Nzuza, EEA Acting Chief Executive. 

“We are grateful to UNDP, EEA and anyone who helped us from day one until now. We’re also willing to show how committed we are by working very hard so that our compost can be sold in many shops in Eswatini,” said one of the project participants, Nonhlanhla Dlamini.