In 2018, the ProTetuga Project promoted the creation of the Association of Women Artisans of Príncipe Island Facilita Fora Umuen which, in lung'Iê (language of Príncipe Island), means Flip flops out of the sea and, since then, has worked to train and empower this group. The goal of reusing and/or recycling materials that arrive on the Príncipe’s beaches was encouraged by enhancing the social, cultural, and economic empowerment of the women of the Picão community, through the training of new skills and the promotion of alternative income.

The sale of these recycled products, besides generating income for 10 families in Príncipe, also reduces the accumulation of trash on the island's beaches, thus contributing to marine conservation and to the sustainable development of local communities. The Facilita Fora Umuen association already has a collection of beautiful jewelry that was completely handmade by this group of women and is the result of the transformation of the flip-flops that wash ashore on our beaches.

Each unique piece is named after a local species, in honor of the marine biodiversity of the island of Príncipe.

 

Vasco Pissarra © Fundação Príncipe

Context:

Plastic debris are entering the marine environment at an accelerating rate and are estimated to interact with over 700 species and are a threat through ingestion, entanglement and habitat degradation. Only very recently has an understanding of a small part of the full scale of the impacts of plastics on marine species begun to emerge.

If we can find ways to create economic value for plastic, communities can be key players in collecting this waste, potentially expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs with positive impacts on livelihoods and gender equality.

Africa is the only region in the world where more women than men choose to become entrepreneurs, a phenomenon that is not yet subject to proper discussion. Expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs through policies that promote gender equality would have a tremendous impact on Africa's growth (Worldbank, 2018).

We believe that betting on income alternatives that enhance existing resources or leverage new resources - such as waste - not only boosts the economic and social development of local communities, but also reduces existing pressure from already scarce and fragile natural resources.

By investing in women, we are investing in the entire family, and above all, we are investing in future generations that grow up in families with empowered mothers who support their children and their home and who become less dependent.

 
 

Main activities developed:

  • Legal constitution of the Association

  • Workshop on entrepreneurship and basic notions of business initiation

  • Worskhop for recycling raw material collected at sea

  • Development of jewelry collection made with reused slippers - "Fauna marinha do Príncipe”

  • Participation in several fairs of local products in Príncipe Island

  • Workshop with the Omali Vida Nón project on Community Ideas and Entrepreneurship

 

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