While women are generally more disproportionally impacted by exposure to chemicals and wastes and have less access to participation in decision making, they are also key agents of change. All people, irrespective of gender identity, must have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in order to achieve the sound management of chemicals and wastes, and both are vital to achieve the majority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This report shows the impact chemicals have on women as a vulnerable group highly exposed to hazardous chemicals and gender inequalities related to decision-making around the management of chemicals and waste. The report also provides concrete steps that can be taken to safeguard the health of women and empower women in decision-making and in their roles as agents of change. The overall objective is to provide evidence to all stakeholders working towards sustainable development of the importance of addressing this issue for achieving the SDGs.