Women in Waste South Africa

EMPOWERING WOMEN. TRANSFORMING WASTE. BUILDING COMMUNITIES

About WIWSA

Women in Waste South Africa (WiWSA) is a women-led nonprofit organisation committed to empowering women and youth within the environmental, waste, and circular economy sectors. Established to drive gender inclusion in green industries, WiWSA implements training programmes, mentorship initiatives, entrepreneurship development, and advocacy campaigns that promote sustainable practices while opening pathways for income generation. Our organization works with communities, schools, government entities, private stakeholders, and waste sector leaders to ensure that women have equitable access to education, skills development, and market participation in the waste value chain.

Our Partners

Our Events

The Annual Women in Waste SA Conference

The Annual Women in Waste SA Conference is WiWSA’s flagship gathering, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders in the waste management sector.

Beyond dialogue, the conference challenges participants to reimagine waste not as a burden but as a resource for economic empowerment and environmental resilience. It highlights the often-overlooked role of women in shaping circular economy solutions, giving visibility to voices that are critical yet underrepresented.

Through interactive panels, workshops, and exhibitions, participants are encouraged to translate ideas into actionable solutions that benefit both communities and the planet. The gathering also provides young innovators with a rare opportunity to connect with industry leaders, opening doors for mentorship, funding, and partnerships. By bridging policy, practice, and entrepreneurship, the conference sparks a movement that positions women at the heart of sustainable transformation in South Africa and beyond.

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SheRecycles Innovation Challenge

The SheRecycles Innovation Challenge is a competition designed to spark creativity and support women entrepreneurs with fresh ideas for tackling waste. Participants pitch innovative solutions in areas like recycling, upcycling, and circular economy practices.

More than just a competition, the initiative serves as a launchpad for women-led enterprises, equipping participants with mentorship, visibility, and access to industry networks. It celebrates the ingenuity of women who are rethinking waste streams and transforming them into viable products, services, and business models.

Ultimately, the SheRecycles Innovation Challenge empowers women to become catalysts for change, proving that waste can be redefined as a resource for job creation, community development, and a greener future.

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The Wastepreneur Diaries Podcast

The Wastepreneur Diaries podcast is a platform for dialogue on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the waste sector shared and heard from the mouths of phenomenal female entrepreneurs in the waste sector. Each episode features inspiring conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and community voices.

The goal is to educate, empower, and raise awareness while amplifying the stories of women making a difference.

TURNING WASTE INTO VALUE!

JOIN WIWSA TODAY!

Our Gallery

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Our VISION

To be a catalyst for women’s empowerment in waste management across South Africa, creating a future where women drive innovation and inclusive economic growth in waste-to-value solutions through these pillars:

Mentorship

Transformation

Innovation

Education

Empowerment

OUR PROGRAMS

Here is a list of programs we offer but visit our programs page for more information.

Learn More

Mentor a learner for a Day initiative.

Waste2Energy Innovation Training and Workshops.

Seeds of Change Graduate Placement Program.

Monthly Waste Collection Drives.

Women in Waste IGNITE 12-months Mentorship Program.

Join Our Movement Today!

Become a Member