Harmonized standards on chemical waste prevention within the fashion and textiles industries among women with disabilities in Africa

by Nancy Marangu (Policy & Strategy Specialist, Chemichemi Foundation), Mariella Noto (Academy Director, ZDHC Foundation), and Catherine Kuria (Data Analyst, Chemichemi Foundation)

In the textile and fashion industries across African countries, exposure to harmful chemicals is a shared risk — but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. Women and girls with disabilities may face heightened risks due to unsafe working conditions and disability-related needs that are often overlooked. Yet their experiences remain largely invisible in chemicals policy and research. Addressing these disparities requires an intersectional approach — one that considers how social categories like gender and disability interact to shape exposure and outcomes.