The Role of the Women’s Community in Encouraging Family Economic Participation and Welfare through the Sustainability of the Cemara Waste Bank in Sumberejo Village

Abstract

The women’s Community role in driving family participation and economic welfare through the Cemara Waste Bank in Sumberejo Village is the focus of this study. The increasing volume of waste in Batu City, which exceeds 100 tons per day, alongside low community awareness of sustainable waste management, provides the backdrop for this research. Since 2019, the PKK mothers initiated the Cemara Waste Bank as a community-based initiative combining environmental management with women's economic empowerment. This study employed a case study design and a qualitative methodology. In-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation including administrators, current clients, and the village administration were used to gather data. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The results indicate that the women's community plays a pivotal role in mobilizing family participation through direct outreach, social media communication, habituation of waste sorting at the household level, and facilitation of a simple waste savings system. Economic benefits—such as waste savings disbursed before Eid al-Fitr—are a key factor sustaining participation. Supporting factors include community solidarity, PKK institutional backing, and government support. Obstacles include the double burden on women, limited male involvement, and insufficient facilities. Strengthened local government support and continuous community capacity building are needed for the program to continue contributing to family economic welfare and environmental sustainability.