In the realm of environmental sustainability, electronic waste (e-waste) management has emerged as a complex challenge in the modern era. The proliferation of electronic devices and their rapid obsolescence are posing serious environmental threats worldwide. This calls for effective e-waste management strategies through innovative solutions and perspectives.

An overlooked yet vital aspect is the vital role of women in managing e-waste.
While the growing concern over e-waste often garners attention for its environmental inference, it also presents a distinctive opportunity to empower women and endorse gender equality through the active participation of females in e-waste management drives.
E-waste refers to discarded electronic gadgets, and devices. These include computers, desktops, smartphones, home appliances, TVs, etc. Managing e-waste effectively involves a series of actions including responsible disposal, recycling, and reducing electric consumption. When disposed of inappropriately, e-waste has several negative impacts on the community, such as:
Environmental pollution: Burning e-waste or dumping it in landfills emits pollutants into the air, water, and soil, potentially contaminating the ecosystem, food, and water sources.
Health concerns: E-waste contains harmful materials such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, which can seep into water supplies and agricultural land, posing serious health risks to the community.
Resource depletion: Some of the electronics contain small amounts of valuable metals like silver, gold, and copper. In case of improper disposal, these precious resources are wasted, leading to resource scarcity over time.
Digital imbalance: Improper e-waste disposal facilities cause the accumulation of outdated devices and appliances, which can exacerbate the digital gap, limiting access to desired technology and devices in the community.
Significance of Women’s Involvement in E-waste Management
Women can play a multifaceted role in e-waste management, contributing to the formal as well as informal sectors of the industry. Through proper training and capacity-building programs, women can be equipped with the desired skills and knowledge necessary to handle e-waste. In many developing countries, women are actively involved in the informal sector of e-waste recycling by engaging in sorting, disassembling, and recycling electronic components. The Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) network has already implemented initiatives to empower women working in the informal sector, including e-waste recycling.  
Organizational Engagement
Women are perceived as key influencers in the community. By involving women in e-waste management initiatives, awareness can be raised more effectively, leading to increased contribution and behavioral changes at the grassroots level. Women can actively engage with influential groups to organize e-waste collection drives, repair solutions, or electronic swap events, fostering a culture of reuse and recycling. Social and environmental organizations can grasp this opportunity to launch projects for women’s engagement in e-waste management by offering training in waste segregation, recycling techniques, and entrepreneurship skills. Organizations can play their role in:
•    Providing easy access to technical training programs.
•    Introduce leadership training and capacity-building opportunities for women.
•    Encouraging gender-inclusive decision-making.
•    Promoting environmental awareness and educational drive.
•    Offering skill-building workshops on e-waste management techniques.
Economic Empowerment
In many countries, women are deprived of fair employment opportunities. Employing women in e-waste management roles would enhance their economic empowerment and contributions to sustainable development of the country. In the long run, this will permit women to establish their own recycling businesses and earn income for themselves, and their families. Economic opportunities for women could be created in the following ways:  
•    Supporting women-run businesses in the e-waste recycling industry.
•    Facilitating access to microfinance and entrepreneurship.
•    Engaging women as advocates for sustainable waste practices.
•    Ensure women’s representation in e-waste management committees. 
•    Initiate women-led community organizations in e-waste management.
Environmental Preservation
Women tend to have a strong connection to environmental conservation efforts. By involving women in e-waste recycling and reuse programs, the environmental impact of electronic waste can be minimized, contributing to a better environment for future generations. 
Health and Safety
E-waste recycling techniques involve handling hazardous materials that pose risks to human health and the environment. The caring nature of women can ensure that health and safety protocols are prioritized, reducing the adverse effects of e-waste on vulnerable populations, including minors and old-age citizens. Women can raise their voices about the significance of proper e-waste management within the community through advocacy campaigns, educational initiatives, and workshops.
Sustainable Legislation
Women advocate for policies and regulations that prioritize sustainable e-waste management practices by endorsing extended producer responsibility (EPR), which makes manufacturers accountable for the proper disposal and recycling of their electronics.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Electronic waste could be curtailed by being mindful of what to purchase. Responsible electronic consumption allows people to choose products with long lifespans, and upgrade only when necessary. The lifespan of electronics can be extended by selling or donating them when they are no longer needed. Devices in good condition can be repurposed by others, reducing the overall waste generated and halting the environmental and health hazards associated with e-waste. There are retailers and manufacturers that offer recycling programs for outdated electronics. It’s necessary to ensure data security first by wiping personal data before repurposing or recycling. Electronic devices must be properly recycled at certified e-waste recycling facilities or designated e-waste services.
Empowering women in e-waste management is not only a matter of gender equality but also a viable strategic approach to addressing the critical challenge of electronic waste. By recognizing the valuable contributions of women and providing them with essential training and employment opportunities in this field, we can generate more sustainable and inclusive solutions to e-waste management. The active participation of women in e-waste management initiatives would lead to sustainable e-waste management efforts and help mitigate the adverse effects of electronic waste on society and the environment. HH