Haritha Karma Sena and Gender Equity in Kerala’s Decentralized Waste Governance: A Literature-Based Analysis

Abstract

Haritha Karma Sena has emerged as one of the most visible women-led environmental efforts in the decentralised solid waste management system in Kerala. Haritha Karma Sena is an institutional initiative of Kudumbashree, Local Self Government Institutions, Haritha Keralam Mission, Suchitwa Mission and Clean Kerala Company which connects waste collection, segregation at the household level, recycling, livelihood generation, public health work, and protecting the environment. This chapter explores the question of Haritha Karma Sena as a gendered decentralized waste governance model in Kerala. The chapter, which is based on secondary literature, government reports, journal articles and project-based studies, makes the case that Haritha Karma Sena cannot only be read as a waste collection system. Instead, it is a labour system for women, a system of protection for community health and of local environmental governance. The chapter examines Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) in three interrelated aspects: gender equity, community health and environmental justice. It demonstrates how Haritha Karma Sena has helped women to be part of the paid environmental labour force, raise awareness on waste segregation, reduce unscientific disposal of waste and strengthen local waste governance. The chapter also points towards unresolved issues such as lack of infrastructure, low and irregular pay, lack of social recognition, occupational safety risks and dependence on public cooperation. The basic argument is that Haritha Karma Sena has tremendous potential to become a role model of green justice with gender sensitivity, but this potential can be realized when women waste workers are recognized as skilled service providers to the environment and supported through fair wages, safety protection, infrastructure, social dignity and voice in decision making.