The Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have launched a Community of Practice (CoP) on Chemicals and SDGs to bring representatives from different sectors together and to create a learning network around issues related to addressing Chemicals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a summary of the discussion on Brainstorming implementation of gender mainstreaming into national policies for the sound management of chemicals and waste, which took place on 30 September 2020.

Presenters: Hanna-Andrea Rother (UCT), Brenda Koekkoek (SAICM), Anna Holthaus (MSP Institute)

Strong legislation, effective information systems, as well as scientific evidence and knowledge for chemicals, are at the core of the SAICM community efforts on Emerging Policy Issues and remain relevant in the future to protect human health and the environment from harmful effects of chemicals across the life-cycle. There are additional opportunities for strengthening focus on developing, collecting, and analysing gender disaggregated data, indicators, and other information to support decision-making. In this discussion, stakeholders reflected on gendered national legislation, policies, and strategies to improve on exposures and risks that are falling through the gaps.