Impact of Climate Change and Vulnerability of Sanitation Access on Economically Disadvantaged Urban Women
By Gloria Miracle, Perupadata
Climate change affects women, particularly economically disadvantaged urban women. Their vulnerability to decent sanitation has been exposed due to the impact of the climate crisis.
During the Indonesian Climate Week (ICW) in December 2024, a workshop led by SPEAK Indonesia (VCA Partners) and Jejaring AMPL (WASH Network) facilitated an interactive discussion between practitioners and participants, addressing the voice of women living in the underprivileged urban neighbourhood to be heard and shared among many. In addition, several notable problems, including issues on inclusivity and data accuracy, must be resolved as a first step to help economically disadvantaged urban women.
Regarding sanitation, the audience believed that community empowerment is much more needed than a top-down approach. Diving deeper into the discussion, keywords on ‘limited’ are commonly found, especially related to expenses, technology, donors, and the role of women within the area. Due to this issue, active participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is highly needed, and this is where WASH Network steps in. Based on the data shared during the session, 65% of the citizens within the Penjaringan district are still defecating improperly in open areas, including dams and seawater spaces.
Additionally, 80% of the same population is affected by floods due to climate change. Not to mention, 5 out of 18 of the citizens association‘s communal wastewater treatment plants are not working to their designated purpose. This calls for serious participation from the citizens, especially the role of women, to be included in the lawmaking or regulation-making processes. Here, CSOs/NGOs should step in from a third-person perspective, catching the right voice of the people to pursue women’s empowerment and relay them to the authorities.
A middle ground will be reached by listening to both sides of the people and the government, resulting in efficient, transparent, and sustainable policies. Unfortunately, these issues of sanitation and the lack of presence of women occur throughout Indonesia, covering Yogyakarta, Papua, and beyond. Within one of the articles published by Jejaring AMPL/WASH Network, an interview was quoted, highlighting how women, especially mothers, are eager to attend training made by the sector but are contemplated by house duties (e.g. babysitting, travel costs for children, and beyond) that are rarely found in men. Within the discussion, parameters on sanitation and calling the proper government institutions are elaborated, including how the CSO Networks can further raise awareness and become a bridge to solve the matter.
Each case is unique, considering Indonesia’s diverse challenges, demographics, and geographics, which require different solutions for each case. Changes are difficult, yet the slightest matters. Thus, collaboration between all parties is essential, and the same awareness must be shared.
