Country case studies

Background

The adverse effects of chemicals and waste on different groups of the population vary depending on the level of exposure, behavioral patterns, age, biological effects (e.g., endocrine disruption), geographical location, nutritional status and co-exposure to other chemicals. Certain types of chemicals, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury, can build up to dangerous levels in humans and the environment causing adverse reproductive, developmental, immunological, hormonal and carcinogenic effects with varied impacts on vulnerable groups of the population. Women, children and other vulnerable groups are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of chemicals and waste.

Considering the strong linkages between gender and exposure to chemicals and waste, as well as the significance of the sound management of chemicals and wastes for promoting gender equality, the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions has been working since 2012 to integrate the gender dimension into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of its activities, as well as to promote gender equality internally.

Country case studies

Since 2017, the BRS Secretariat has, together with international and national level partners, been developing country case studies on efforts made and ways to enhance the systematic integration of gender considerations in the implementation of the BRS Conventions.

The case studies developed have sought to:

  1. enhance the understanding of the potential impacts that hazardous chemicals and waste can have on differing genders and those from vulnerable groups;
  2. enhance the systematic integration of gender considerations by Parties and other key stakeholders in the implementation of the BRS Conventions; and
  3. promote the equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making at the national and regional levels with respect to hazardous chemicals and waste management and in BRS processes.

Where funding permits, the case studies are complemented by the development of a documentary film (two such films have been developed to date) and in-country training activities on mainstreaming gender in the implementation of the BRS Conventions.