Women's Involvement as Agents of Change in Addressing Environmental Issues in the Citarum River Basin, Bandung Regency

Abstrak

Bandung Regency is dealing with numerous environmental concerns, including Citarum River pollution caused by domestic waste, industrial discharge, and household rubbish. High urbanization and population expansion increase waste management concerns, necessitating a more participative and sustainable strategy. Descriptive qualitative approach is used to identify women's contributions at various levels of environmental management, as well as their strategic positions within homes and communities. This study emphasizes women's engagement in tackling the environmental crisis by studying their responsibilities in all phases of environmental projects, from design and execution to assessment. The local government has implemented a number of programs, including the Citarum Harum Program, garbage banks, and community-based sanitation projects. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is strongly reliant on active community participation, particularly from women. This demonstrates that women's roles not only improve the efficiency of environmental programs, but also help to promote gender justice and socio-ecological resilience. As a result, women's participation in environmental management in the Citarum River area extends beyond household obligations. They also act as decision-makers capable of integrating ecological and social perspectives into program planning and assessment processes-an important step toward obtaining more just and comprehensive solutions to the environmental challenges faced by Bandung Regency.