PROTAGONISNO FEMININO EM COOPERATIVAS DE RECICLAGEM: IMPACTOS SOCIECONÔMICOS E AMBIENTAIS À LUZ DOS ODS

Abstract

The work of associations of women waste pickers plays a very important role in urban sustainability and in achieving the goals proposed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study aims to analyze the contribution of women waste pickers' work to the SDG goals, considering the solidarity economy as an organizational basis. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, through a case study and semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The results indicate that the Association of Recyclable Material Collectors of Campina Grande (AMARECG) directly contributes to environmental and urban sustainability through recycling, city cleanliness, and reduction of improper disposal, strengthening the goals of SDGs 11 and 12. Furthermore, participation in the association fosters productive inclusion, economic autonomy, and women's empowerment, contributing to the goals of SDGs 5, 8, and 10. However, despite the identified progress, structural challenges persist that limit the consolidation of cooperativism and decent work, such as the lack of a warehouse, dependence on intermediaries, income instability, social discrimination, and insufficient public support. This study is important because it contributes to understanding the socio-environmental role of female waste pickers and highlights the need for continuous public policies to strengthen Solidarity Economy enterprises and expand the reach of the 2030 Agenda in the local context.