From Waste to Wealth: How the Mayinja Women Development Group is Powering Change and Transforming Lives in Uganda

In the heart of Kawempe Division, Kampala, the Mayinja Women Development Group stands as a testament of resilience and an example of how grassroots innovation, determination, and collective action can drive long-term change. As a leading member of the Kawempe Plastics and Waste Management Cooperative Society Ltd (KAPCO), this vibrant community-led initiative is redefining sustainable development at the grassroots level. Through recycling plastics, producing eco-friendly briquettes, and creating arts and crafts, the group has not only transformed its local environment but also significantly improved the socio-economic well-being of its members.

The group’s recycling and waste management activities have become a source of livelihood for women and youth in Kawempe. By turning waste into value, members of the group have created an additional source of income for their families. Products such as recycled plastic items, eco-friendly briquettes, and handmade arts and crafts not only promote sustainable practices but also support the local economy.

For many members, the project has been life-changing. Women shared powerful testimonies of how their increased income has enabled them to pay for their children’s education, improve household living standards, and reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. The initiative has become a safe haven for women seeking financial independence and social empowerment.

Strengthening Community Resilience

Beyond economic empowerment, the Mayinja Women Development Group exemplifies community-led resilience. The project has fostered a sense of collective responsibility among members, who have taken it upon themselves to champion environmental conservation. Through the collection, sorting, and recycling of waste materials, the community is actively addressing environmental pollution while generating value from waste.

This approach is having a ripple effect. Families in the community are adopting sustainable practices, and local youth are being drawn into the initiative as an opportunity for self-sustenance and environmental protection. This shift in behaviour highlights the potential of community-driven efforts to promote sustainable change and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

A Call for Support and Sustainability

Despite their remarkable achievements, the Mayinja Women Development Group continues to face challenges that threaten the sustainability of their efforts. Members have voiced the need for additional equipment, technical support, and capacity-building opportunities to scale their impact. These needs are critical to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of their initiatives.

A visit by Amref Health Africa’s leadership, including Dr Charles Okeahalam, Chairperson of the Amref Health Africa International Board, and Professor Elizabeth Ekirapa, Chairperson of the Amref Health Africa in Uganda Advisory Council, was a moment of hope for the community. The delegation witnessed first-hand the group’s successes, heard their challenges, and pledged to advocate for their cause at higher levels of decision-making.

Dr Okeahalam acknowledged the vital role played by groups like Mayinja Women Development Group in fostering community-led development. His statement, “KAPCO is empowering women while eradicating poverty in Kawempe,” underscored the critical contribution of such initiatives to advancing gender equity and environmental protection. He emphasised that no society can progress without the active participation of women and highlighted the importance of education for girls as a pathway to breaking cycles of poverty.

Inspiring Collective Action

The story of the Mayinja Women Development Group is a call to action for other communities seeking to drive sustainable development. By combining social empowerment with environmental stewardship, the group offers a replicable model for tackling poverty and protecting the planet. Their journey demonstrates that, with the right support, communities can become powerful agents of change.

This story of impact serves as a testament to the power of grassroots movements. It reflects the broader mission of Amref Health Africa to empower communities and support local initiatives that deliver lasting impact. As community-led groups like Mayinja Women Development Group continue to flourish, they provide a ray of hope for other marginalised communities. Their work highlights the transformative potential of supporting women and youth to lead sustainable initiatives that promote economic independence and environmental protection.