Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement
Within the framework of the RUMBOS research project,
Within the framework of the RUMBOS research project,
the University of Cuenca -UCuenca-, the National Network of Recyclers of Ecuador -RENAREC- and the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion -MIES- signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement for the development of the research project titled “The work and health of women waste pickers in the context of COVID-19 in Ecuador (RUMBOS).”
Within the framework of this agreement, RENAREC, represented by Elvia Pizuña, will contribute its experience and knowledge as an organization that brings together 55 associations of grassroots recyclers in 33 cities in Ecuador, promoting inclusive recycling and strengthening organizations as actors fundamental in comprehensive waste management and the inclusive circular economy.
For the leader, the experience they have acquired over the years, the joint work with governments, universities, civil society and the training they have provided to citizens to care for the planet, as well as the recognition achieved national and international level. At the moment they have an internationally recognized secretariat.
75% of recyclers are women who have fought for the place where they are and that is why they consider that “the RUMBOS project is of the recyclers and for the recyclers” which is why it was very pleasant for them to sign the agreement with “authorities and friends.” “We, over the years, recycle hearts, too,” were Mrs. Pizuña’s closing words.
For her part, Karen Luzardo, representative of the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion -MIES-, pointed out that they will collaborate with primary and secondary information and databases collected in previous research and intervention processes that are relevant to the project. She stressed that the MIES is responsible for promoting and encouraging the economic and social inclusion of the population, seeking to guarantee an adequate quality of life for all citizens.
At the same time, he recognized the role of the people who carry out recycling, the importance of this sidewalk activity and having made progress with specific projects such as RUMBOS, which he hopes will be long-standing. He committed the support of MIES, at the same time congratulated the role played by the University of Cuenca in this research, and recognized that “articulation between University, State and Civil Society is possible.”
For her part, María Augusta Hermida, rector of the University of Cuenca, highlighted the role of women leading spaces and the inter-institutional and interdisciplinary work to ensure that the region becomes a pole of sustainable development, “walking hand in hand between organizations social, productive sector, government and academia, to achieve great objectives.”
It ratified the commitment to develop a participatory action research process in search of improving the health and work conditions of women waste pickers, as well as to propose transformation strategies in the organizational spheres and in public policies that affect this population.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The RUMBOS project arises as a result of the “Two-phase call for proposals for research teams of the International Development Research Center (IDRC) Women RISE 2022: Research to support women’s health and economic empowerment for a recovery from COVID-19 that is inclusive, sustainable and equitable.
The team of the Interdisciplinary Department of Space and Population -DIEP- of the University of Cuenca, in collaboration with McMaster University, has developed this initiative that seeks to address the dimensions of health, work and public policies with a socio-spatial and gender perspective. , focusing on women recyclers in three urban environments in Ecuador -Cuenca, Macas and La Libertad- in the context of the pandemic.
Board of directors:
María Augusta Hermida – rector of the University of Cuenca
Elvia Pizuña – RENAREC coordinator
Karen Luzardo – MIES representative
Honorary witnesses:
Monserrath Jerves – Vice-Rector for Research
Imelda Avecillas-delegate of the Academic Vice-Rector’s Office
David Acurio- Director of Liaison with Society
Rosita Ullaguari – RENAREC South coordinator
Dolores Sucozhañay – director of DIEP
Andrea Gómez – director of the RUMBOS project
In addition, the recyclers from RENAREC SUR, and members of the DIEP team (Researchers from the Research Groups: ECI, KALEIDOS, LLACTALAB, PYDLOS) accompanied the signing of the agreement.