A efetividade da política nacional de resíduos sólidos sob a perspectiva de gênero: uma análise do empoderamento e da inclusão social das mulheres catadoras

Abstract

The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12.305/2010, aims to structure the management of solid waste in Brazil, promoting sustainability and social inclusion. Within this context, women waste pickers play a fundamental role, although they are often invisible and marginalized. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the PNRS in the lives of women waste pickers, highlighting the issues of socio-economic inclusion, economic empowerment and improving the living conditions of these women. The justification for this work is based on the need to understand how the implementation of the SWNP has impacted women waste pickers, a historically marginalized group that continues to face precarious working conditions. Although the PNRS has recognized the importance of the waste pickers' association, it is clear that the implementation of the policy still encounters difficulties in terms of the gender inequalities that directly affect women in this sector. The methodology used has a qualitative approach, with exploratory, descriptive and explanatory characteristics. Data was collected through bibliographic and documentary research. The content analysis of the PNRS was inspired by one of the axes of the in-depth evaluation of public policies. The main results indicate that, although the PNRS has created mechanisms to recognize waste pickers as environmental agents, women continue to face significant challenges, such as domestic work overload, gender-based violence and the lack of specific policies to improve working conditions. The absence of a gender perspective in the implementation of the policy hinders real change in the living conditions of these women. In addition, the importance of interrelated action with other public policies was identified, such as strengthening the solidarity economy, in order to enhance the impact of the PNRS on the lives of these women and ensure greater inclusion and autonomy in the recycling sector. The final considerations suggest that for the PNRS to achieve its goals of inclusion and sustainability, it is essential to focus on training, guaranteeing rights and equal access to opportunities, with an emphasis on gender issues. The research reinforces the importance of more effective public policies that take into account the specificities of women in the recycling sector.