In this issue of Packaging MEA, we meet Dana Mosori, the Executive Director & Founder of ASASE Foundation, a Ghanaian social enterprise that is tackling plastic waste head-on by empowering women to collect and recycle plastic. Through their innovative CASHIT! program, ASASE Foundation is providing women with a sustainable source of income and employment, while also helping to clean up the environment.
Packaging MEA (PMEA): Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what you do.
Dana Mosora (DM): I have dedicated my career to the plastic packaging industry, working with either brand owners who market packaged goods or within the industry itself. Before retiring from Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics in Europe, I saw the vital role of plastics and recognized the industry’s responsibility for its end-of-life management. Throughout my career with global corporations, I’ve had numerous personal development opportunities and have seen the significant impact women can have in addressing global challenges. This inspired me to devote this stage of my career to creating a model for the Global South, tackling plastic pollution by empowering women to play a central role.
PMEA: What inspired you to create the ASASE Foundation and focus on empowering women in plastic waste management?
DM: My meeting with Hilda Addah, the co-founder of the ASASE Foundation, ignited my interest in establishing this organization. During my visit to ACCRA with Hilda, I captured photos that constantly remind me of the enormity of the problem and the crucial role women play in African society.
PMEA: Can you tell us more about the ASASE Foundation’s CASH IT! program? How does it specifically address both women’s empowerment and plastic waste reduction?
DM: The CASH IT! initiative is part of the “Close the Loop of Plastic Packaging” project in Ghana. It converts reprocessed plastic waste into plastic lumber or sells it to recyclers who produce various industrial and household items. This project establishes small recycling plants as social enterprises in areas with severe plastic pollution, empowering women entrepreneurs to build sustainable plastic waste collection businesses. These women, often the poorest and most marginalized in their communities, play a critical role in local recycling. The program includes:
- Financial literacy training for business growth
- Health and safety training to improve working conditions
- Cost-effective transportation and logistics support
PMEA: What have been some of the biggest challenges faced by the women participating in the CASH IT! program? How has the ASASE Foundation helped them overcome these challenges?
DM: One major challenge is balancing work with household responsibilities. To address this, we offer flexible programs and personalized support. Another challenge is operating equipment traditionally used by men.
We designed our equipment to maximize job opportunities for women. Despite initial struggles, many women adapted and thrived, benefiting from stable income, health insurance, and increased self-confidence.
PMEA: What are some of the success stories of women who have participated in the CASH IT! program? How has their participation impacted their lives and communities?
DM: The success stories are my greatest source of joy. For instance:
- Joyce Adotey: Learned the value of recycling plastic sachets and now supports her four children as a single mother.
- Sandra Abeka Mensah: Advanced from an intern to a Plant Supervisor at our recycling plant in Tema West Municipality.
- Gifty Naa Lamiley Mills, Vida Appiah, and Georgina Baidoo: Serve as Unit Heads in our plants, with many other women waste pickers/aggregators benefiting from stable jobs and personal growth opportunities.
On Women in Packaging
PMEA: Why do you think it’s important to have more women in leadership positions within the packaging industry, especially in the field of sustainability?
DM: Women naturally care about others and the future, often in a more altruistic way than men.
They are efficient and can drive the urgent changes needed in the packaging industry from linear to circular models.
PMEA: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in sustainable packaging?
DM: Dive in and enjoy the journey! Sustainable packaging requires constant innovation and the courage to drive change. Women can lead this transformation, pushing business organizations out of their comfort zones.
PMEA: Are there any specific challenges or opportunities that you see for women in the packaging industry in Ghana or Africa in general?
DM: In Ghana and Africa, the opportunity lies in developing circular packaging models before consumption patterns mirror those of the Global North. Women, motivated by their concern for their children’s future, are uniquely positioned to drive this transformation.
PMEA: What is the future outlook for the ASASE Foundation? Are there any plans to expand the CASH IT! program or explore other initiatives?
DM: The ASASE Foundation is poised for growth. We recently secured financing through outcome-based financial bonds from the World Bank and CITIBank, allowing us to expand CASH IT! operations to three more towns in Ghana. We will repay the investment through plastic credits for each ton of plastic recycled.
PMEA: How can the packaging industry as a whole play a bigger role in empowering women and promoting sustainability?
DM: Addressing plastic waste management is crucial for our planet’s future.
Women, from waste pickers to CEOs, are vital to this effort. By engaging and supporting women, we can make a significant difference in sustainability.
The CASH IT! Initiative:
The ASASE Foundation launched the CASH IT! initiative in the Greater Accra Region to promote sustainable development and empower women through plastic recycling. This program also creates jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for women while addressing plastic waste. ASASE Foundation provides technical and business management training to equip women with the skills needed to run recycling plants and manage businesses effectively.
The pilot project of the CASH IT! Recycling Plant in Katamanso district demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can tackle environmental challenges and promote economic growth. CASH IT! also prioritizes community benefits, with a portion of profits allocated to local projects. ASASE Foundation plans to expand the initiative across Ghana to foster inclusive economic growth and environmental conservation.