Unilever, UNDP run plastic cleanup campaign to celebrate International Women's Day

More than 100 women have joined hands to create awareness on plastic cleanup at Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) as a part of the International Women's Day (IWD) 2022 campaign titled 'Diversity for Sustainability'.

Organised by Unilever Bangladesh in collaboration with NCC, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, Eco-Social Development Organisation (ESDO) with the support of Glow & Lovely Career, the daylong campaign was designed to raise community level awareness on plastic collection and women's empowerment by various activities.

Women dividing into 10 groups started the day with an early morning city cleanup session.

The group represented Unilever's female managers, UNDP's female and male staff, community leaders and female water workers of NCC.

After an hour-long symbolic cleanup drive, the diverse groups of women gathered at the Ali Ahmed Chunka Auditorium for a discussion and paying tribute to the waste workers for NCC, where Selina Hayat Ivy, mayor of NCC, was present as the chief guest.

"I appreciate that hundred powerful women come forward with such an encouraging initiative of plastic cleanup at NCC," said Ivy.

"The plastic collection project of Unilever and UNDP is a unique one, and I believe it will give us a sustainable plastic collection model for NCC, which will not only set an example but also inspire other city authorities to adopt the same model for a better plastic waste management system," she added.

"To reach the goal of plastic collection, Unilever has taken this unique collection project with a specific focus on flexible plastic, which is a significant problem for NCC and other cities," said Shamima Akhter, head of corporate affairs, partnerships and communications at Unilever.

"We want to build a dynamic value chain and circularity at NCC to tackle the plastic challenges. We have identified IWD to utilise the power of women in creating awareness on plastic collection as we believe in the power of diversity for making the world a better place," she added.

"We believe in driving the diversity of thought, backgrounds, gender, abilities, age, ethnicity and socio-cultural background. Unilever is the powerhouse of women, and now it is our time to give back to the community and share our learning to address critical issues like plastic sustainability," said Sakshi Handa, human resource director of Unilever.  

"Unilever and UNDP Bangladesh are working on a long-term strategy that will not only reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic but also improve livelihood sustainability, increase resilience, and health safety of waste pickers," said Yugesh Pradhanang, project manager for LIUPCP at UNDP Bangladesh.

"We want to create a successful model for the plastic waste management system at NCC, which will set an example for others."

Unilever and UNDP have honoured the NCC mayor with a crest for her commitment and leadership in managing plastic waste at Narayanganj.

Five female water workers were also honoured for their contribution to make the city clean and green at the end of the discussion sessions.

Mayor Ivy handed over a product hamper of Unilever to all the waste workers.