In the heart of Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, lies a pressing challenge demanding immediate attention: the overwhelming volume of waste inundating its streets and open spaces. With a daily generation of 553 tons of waste, equivalent to a staggering 553,000 garbage bags weighing 10 kilograms each (UNEP, 2022), the city faces the daunting task of managing this ecological burden. Unfortunately, approximately 72 percent of this waste is disposed of in open dumpsites or incinerated, exacerbating environmental concerns.
This multifaceted problem stems from various sources, including the lack of waste bins throughout the city, inadequate waste collection services, and the prevalent habit among city residents of indiscriminately dumping rubbish in public areas.
Amidst this crisis, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of the Youth for Environmental Justice Movement, a grassroots initiative under the Clean Cities Project. Recognizing the urgent need for action, this movement serves as a rallying cry for change, advocating for the environmental rights of Lilongwe’s residents and championing the cause of sustainable urban development.
At its core, this movement seeks to empower the community to reclaim their right to a clean environment. Acknowledging that the responsibility for waste management extends beyond city authorities, the movement endeavors to engage residents in adopting proper waste disposal practices.
The Clean Cities Project has designated May 2024 as a month dedicated to addressing this critical issue. The movement will mobilize young people, activists, students, and volunteers within the city, culminating in a Solidarity March through the streets of Lilongwe.
The primary objective of the Solidarity March is twofold: to advocate for the right to a clean environment and to demonstrate proper waste management practices to city residents. Through peaceful march and collective action, participants will send a powerful message of unity and determination in the fight for environmental justice.
In a remarkable collaboration, the Youth for Environmental Justice Movement is supported by Het Actiefonds, an organization dedicated to empowering social movements and action groups worldwide. With their funding and support, this movement operates by activists, for activists, embodying the spirit of grassroots activism at its finest.
In the face of adversity, the Youth for Environmental Justice Movement embodies the resilience and spirit of activism necessary to drive meaningful change. As they march forward, their message reverberates across Lilongwe: the time for action is now, and together, in solidarity, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for all.
