This International Women’s Day 2026, BAN Toxics celebrates women for their leadership, strength, and vital role in protecting health, sustaining communities, and safeguarding the environment. Across sectors, women are essential to society, yet many face disproportionate exposure to hazardous chemicals in their daily work and livelihoods.

In the Philippines, women make up 75% of the health workforce. Every day, healthcare workers handle hazardous waste, including pharmaceuticals, cytotoxic drugs, and infectious materials. Women also make up a large share of the country’s 100,000+ informal waste workers (IWWs) who collect and sort discarded materials. While their work is essential to healthcare and recycling systems, many face unsafe conditions and toxic exposures that put them at risk of infections and reproductive health issues.

Women’s health is further threatened by toxic mercury exposure. Despite the government ban, BAN Toxics’ regular monitoring activities reveal that mercury-containing skin-lightening products are continuously sold in markets and online. Deep-rooted beauty standards that equate lighter skin with attractiveness and social advantage pressure many women to use these products, often without being fully aware of the risks.

Mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) also harms women living or working near mining sites, exposing them to contamination through water, soil, and food. These exposures can damage the nervous system and reproductive health, affecting women, their families, and entire communities.

This International Women’s Day, we stand with women by celebrating their critical contributions to society, honoring their voices and power, and upholding their rights. Women must be free from toxic chemical exposure, unsafe labor conditions, and environmental harm so that their well-being, safety, and dignity can thrive.

✨ Protect women’s health
✨ Promote mercury-free alternatives
✨ Ensure safe and sustainable waste management systems

A toxics-free, waste-free environment means safer communities and a healthier future for all women. 🌏💜

#𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘋𝘢𝘺 #𝘐𝘞𝘋2026 #𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 #𝘌𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 #𝘛𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘴𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 #𝘞𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦