Women Waste Pikers 'Berbechas' in Tunisia: Precarity and Resilience

Waste pickers are essential for recycling and sustainability in developing countries, with women—“berbechas”—predominating in Tunisia’s informal sector. These female waste pickers experience multidimensional marginalization, including social stigma, meager earnings, harsh working conditions, and lack of social protection. Drawing on a survey of 1,200 respondents and 60 interviews, this study examines their work environments, levels of social recognition, and the determinants of job satisfaction. The results indicate widespread dissatisfaction, closely tied to insecurity and exclusion, influenced by variables such as age, education, and marital status. Despite contributing over two-thirds of national plastic recycling, berbechas remain largely invisible in official waste management policies. Comparisons with other countries illustrate different degrees of formalization and protection for waste pickers, with hybrid governance models increasingly integrating public, private, and informal actors. This research underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies that formally recognize female waste pickers, improve access to social protection and training, and promote cooperative organization. Institutional and societal reform are essential for overcoming stigma and gender inequalities, fostering berbechas’ full participation in Tunisia’s circular economy. Evidence-based recommendations are provided to improve their socio-economic status and role in sustainable urban development.