<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Sarah Ferguson recalled her trip to Australasia earlier this month by sharing some snaps from an engagement in Samoa to mark International Women’s Day.
Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, 64, took to Instagram yesterday to share photos from the Women of Waste event, which strives to create safe, inclusive and diverse workplaces and livelihood opportunities on the South Pacific island.
‘It is an honor to attend the Women of Waste launch in Samoa and learn that plastic pollution is not just an environmental crisis; “It’s a threat to life itself,” Sarah wrote in the caption.
One image showed the Duchess of York, wearing a purple printed dress and a traditional lei, speaking on stage at the event.
In more photos, Sarah posed alongside other women and next to a promotional poster highlighting how the initiative is breaking barriers.
Sarah Ferguson attends Women of Waste launch in Samoa on International Women’s Day
“Pacific islands, like Samoa, with their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, can be torchbearers for collaborative action towards a planet free of plastic waste,” the royal’s Instagram post continued.
“What an inspiring morning with these incredible women and young leaders.”
Waste has become a major concern for the country: more than 140,000 tonnes of solid waste are disposed of in Samoa each year.
Not all of it ends up in landfills: it is estimated that 1,900 tons of plastic waste are dumped into the environment.
This uncontrolled waste threatens the health of Samoa’s ecosystems, which are vital for providing food, water and air.
The division of labor often reflects gender stereotypes, and this is evident in the waste management sector.
However, more and more women are emerging as leaders in this area and are taking steps to defend their environment.
The Women of Waste working group is dedicated to establishing safe, inclusive and diverse employment opportunities and work environments in Samoa.
Sarah looked radiant as she posed with several women at the event
Sarah posed next to a promotional poster highlighting how the initiative is breaking barriers.
The Duchess of York wore a purple printed dress and a traditional garland necklace.
Its aim is to identify and address biases and barriers to employment within the waste management sector.
It is the first formal initiative of its kind in the Pacific Islands.
Speaking at the launch of Women of Waste, which took place on International Women’s Day, the Duchess said: ‘The older generations I am part of bear a huge responsibility for the damage to our environment.
‘It is our collective responsibility to take action for present and future generations.
“I wish to be a voice on the global stage to raise people’s awareness about Samoa, the expectations and needs of its people, as well as their energy and actions for change.”
The launch brought together civil society organisations, private businesses, entrepreneurs, government officials and development partners at Taumeasina Island Resort.