Women’s mobilisation in waste management mapping
By Adisa, Jessica - SPEAK Indonesia
In 2023, Yogyakarta faced a significant challenge: a waste emergency that called for the community to take charge of their household waste management. Rising to the occasion, residents adapted swiftly, rallying to activate the Waste Bank and enhance their organic waste processing skills.
A remarkable development occurred in May 2024 when the Women Federation Gedongkiwo (WFGK) stepped forward, honing their abilities and teaming up with the Waste Bank Association to conduct innovative training on waste facility tagging.
This initiative empowered the Waste Bank in Kelurahan Gedongkiwo, enabling them to effectively monitor the newly installed facilities. The WFGK representatives actively participated in local forums, collaborating with the Head of the Kelurahan Gedongkiwo Government and the Yogyakarta City Environmental Agency. Their groundbreaking efforts have led to WFGK assisting Waste Bank administrators across 18 areas within Gedongkiwo to track and manage household waste through a sophisticated mapping application.
The mapping initiative has revealed critical insights into the distribution of organic waste management facilities, including 640 PVC biopores that serve approximately 300 residents in the area. This data is not just numbers; it’s a powerful tool for shaping future waste management strategies in Kelurahan Gedongkiwo.
With their innovative mapping and mobilisation capabilities, the Women Federation Gedongkiwo has positioned itself as a vital partner for the sub-district in monitoring waste management facilities. This partnership extends beyond basic monitoring. It includes formulating proposals for collaborative waste management strategies alongside the Waste Bank Association. By setting a benchmark with their pilot project for mapping results at the Environmental Agency for Yogyakarta City, WFGK is paving the way for coordinated waste management efforts at the sub-district level.
Moreover, Gedongkiwo Sub-district’s recognition as an innovative representative of Mantrijeron Sub-district showcases its commitment to growth and development in waste management practices. The activities undertaken by WFGK—ranging from waste processing to the dynamic mapping of facilities—serve as a model for success and a valuable learning experience that other communities can adapt and embrace. Together, they are crafting a brighter, cleaner future for Yogyakarta!
