Sanije Memeti and Aferdita Tairovic often felt ignored, like many women in the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities of Kosovo. Aferdita struggles between raising her children and working in harsh conditions with her husband, while Sanije spends most of her time working in the backyard. “I sort out all the waste that my husband collects from outside,” Sanije describes. Their livelihoods are dependent on sorting recyclable waste that would otherwise enter landfills, and the working conditions are difficult.
USAID’s Recycling Matters Activity in Gračanica/Graçanicë, a partnership with D+, a local Kosovan organization, is working closely with women of marginalized communities by supporting more efficient and safer working conditions. Through USAID support, Aferdita, Sanije and other waste collectors will soon receive necessary protective gear, apparel and other equipment to improve their work conditions as they continue to support their families.
With this recycling activity, USAID is helping to increase the socio-economic cohesion among, and sustainable livelihoods for, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Gračanica/Graçanicë, through the facilitation of sustainable recycling models led by the private sector and in cooperation with communities and local government.
Democracy Plus for USAIDKosovo