Dr. Reva Prakash and Dr. Katharina Paterok emphasize that a truly sustainable circular economy must integrate gender equity into its core. The circular economy aims to replace the wasteful linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’ with systems that regenerate resources and decouple growth from the use of finite materials. However, the authors argue that environmental and economic concerns alone are insufficient and that social dimensions must also shape this transition. Women play a vital yet often invisible role in sustainable practices, particularly in the informal sectors of waste management, agriculture and recycling, where they face precarious conditions and wage disparities. Traditional sustainability practices in India, such as repairing clothes or minimizing food waste, were largely sustained by women’s unpaid labor which remains undervalued. There is a need for gender-responsive policies that recognize women as key agents of change. These policies should support women’s formalization in green sectors, promote financial inclusion, and build leadership capacities. Initiatives such as SEWA in Gujarat, Hasirudala in Bangalore, and Swach in Pune demonstrate how women-led models can drive systemic change. Integrating gender equity into circular economic design is crucial for achieving environmental resilience and social justice.
