The Environmental and Social Impact of Cloth Sanitary Pad Usage in Indonesia: A Case Study of the Women’s Care Team

Abstract

In Muka Village (MV), East Jakarta, waste management poses significant challenges for women, particularly concerning the disposal of disposable menstrual pads, which harm the environment and health. Women’s Care at Atma Jaya Catholic University Of Indonesia collaborated with local women to introduce cloth sanitary napkins as a sustainable solution. Following Jerome Bruner’s theory of meaning construction, involving women in learning and problem-solving proved essential. The MV women responded positively, showing interest in learning to produce and market cloth pads. Training and support addressed environmental issues while creating economic opportunities. The locally made cloth menstrual pads have been sold through various channels, positively impacting the environment and MV’s economic prosperity. This research analyzes the environmental and social effects of cloth sanitary napkins in Indonesia, focusing on the Women’s Care Team in MV, East Jakarta. Cloth pads are seen as a sustainable alternative to disposable ones, often containing harmful chemicals. The Women’s Care Team is vital in empowering MV’s women to adopt cloth pads through a participatory approach, aligning with sustainable development goals.

1. Introduction

Waste management has become a crucial issue in environmental sustainability and public health. One highlighted aspect is the impact of disposable sanitary napkin usage on the environment. Ironically, waste from disposable sanitary napkins typically decomposes between 500 and 800 years old. Moreover, these products often contain harmful chemicals detrimental to both the body and the environment, such as chlorine [1, 2, 3] and synthetic polymers [4]. This concern underscores the need for sustainable alternatives and heightened awareness regarding conventional sanitary products’ environmental and health consequences.

The problem with disposable menstrual pads is the issue of raw materials, one of which is polyethylene. Polyethylene is a plastic component commonly used in disposable sanitary napkins and tampons. However, most organisms do not consider this plastic food, so it cannot be broken down [5]. Disposable menstrual pad waste that cannot be decomposed on the ground will eventually fall into the ocean and spread across beaches. According to Edwards [6], there are many cases where used tampons and sanitary napkins are found in the stomachs of dead fish. Lusher et al. [7] also found that microplastics accounted for 36.5% of fish sampled in UK waterways. These microplastics will cause serious health problems if they eventually enter the human body through the fish they consume.

Several previous studies have shown that women play an essential role in managing natural resources, which are an important part of environmental protection [8, 9]. When compared to men, women often pay more attention to environmental issues [10, 11, 12]. Ironically, women are also responsible for making significant contributions to the garbage every year. One example is garbage from the envelope. Women are often unaware of the danger of packaging garbage or do not know how to manage it. Most developing countries, including Africa [13] and India [14, 15], are experiencing low awareness about managing menstrual product garbage.

The increase in consumption of disposable sanitary napkins directly contributes to the amount of plastic waste produced. In the case of Indonesia, with a population of 113.9 million women of childbearing age [16], they need sanitary napkins for 12 menstrual periods in 1 year. Various stakeholders in Indonesia have made various efforts to reduce waste. However, there are many challenges to achieving Indonesia’s target of reducing by 30% and adequately handling waste by 70% of total waste by 2025. Through women’s communities, women can take a more significant role in handling waste, especially disposable menstrual pad waste.

The problem of disposable sanitary napkin waste is also prevalent among women in Kampung Muka. When using disposable sanitary napkins, the primary options for handling the waste are either disposing it in regular trash bins or rivers. This behavior has continued to persist until now. Certainly, improper disposal practices of sanitary napkin waste directly contribute to environmental pollution.

In addition to the negative environmental consequences, disposable sanitary napkins affect women’s reproductive health. Women in the reproductive age group in Kampung Muka predominantly rely on disposable sanitary napkins during menstruation. The primary reasons for their preference for disposable napkins include comfort, product availability, and ease of disposal. This rationale aligns with a study conducted by Fatkhu Rohmatin and Habsari [17], revealing that 95% of women in the childbearing age group opted for disposable sanitary napkins, citing convenience and availability as decisive factors. This observation corresponds with the perspective of Davidson [18], who identified convenience and product availability as critical determinants in the selection of sanitary products.

Apart from the problem of environmental pollution, women are also faced with reproductive health risks when using disposable or conventional sanitary napkins. Disposable hygienic napkins generally contain several chemicals that can hurt women’s health. One substance often contained in disposable hygienic napkins is chlorine, used as a bleaching agent. Chlorine has carcinogenic properties, which can increase the risk of cancer in the long term.

Sanitary napkins, a fundamental requirement for women who have reached puberty, become essential during menstrual. Typically, women experience menstruation from 12 to 50, although variations exist influenced by physical conditions, environment, and climate. The average duration of menstruation is around 6 days, with the replacement of sanitary napkins approximately three times a day. Therefore, in 1 month, a woman requires about 18 units of sanitary napkins. The high demand for this product reflects its crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and comfort during the menstrual cycle.

Women can actively contribute to meeting the significant demand for sanitary napkins through various avenues. Firstly, they can be discerning consumers by opting for eco-friendly and reusable sanitary napkins, thereby reducing the waste generated by disposable ones. Additionally, women can participate in the production of cloth pads or environmentally friendly alternatives, promoting a more sustainable approach. This can be achieved by supporting local industries that manufacture cloth pads or are undergoing training to craft their own. Furthermore, women can play a pivotal role in awareness campaigns, educating the public on the importance of choosing environmentally friendly sanitary products and minimizing their adverse environmental impact. Hence, women can contribute to environmental conservation and enhance social well-being through active participation in addressing menstrual hygiene needs.

Despite efforts to mitigate the issue of sanitary napkin waste for women, access to cloth pads remains a formidable task for girls in Kampung Muka. In addressing this challenge and other problems, women face at various stages of human development in Kampung Muka, the “Women Caring” group was formed. “Women Caring” is a small group of lecturers and students affiliated with the Department of Community Empowerment at Atma Jaya Catholic University Jakarta. The group aims to eliminate barriers to reproductive health education and the use of cloth pads for women in Kampung Muka, East Jakarta.

In the year 2022, with the support of Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia Jakarta (AJCUI), Women’s Care conducted a needs assessment aimed at enhancing the retention rate of women in Kampung Muka by assisting them in managing menstruation through affordable access to cloth pads. The specific objectives of this research were: (a) to equip women in Kampung Muka with business skills to market the reusable cloth pads they produce, (b) to transition to using cloth pads, thereby reducing disposable sanitary napkin waste, and (c) to establish a simple business accounting system for the community.

Perempuan Peduli collaborates with a non-governmental organization, Biyung Indonesia, in this project. Biyung will be a trainer in the practical training session on making cloth sanitary napkins. Biyung Indonesia, established in Yogyakarta, is a non-profit organization that aims to educate women to pay attention to their reproductive health while providing exceptional training in making cloth napkins.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version) In this project, Women’s Care collaborates with a non-governmental organization (NGO), “Biyung Indonesia.” Biyung Indonesia will be a trainer in the practical training sessions for producing cloth pads. Located in Yogyakarta, Biyung Indonesia is a non-profit organization with the mission of educating women to pay attention to their reproductive health and providing specialized training in the production of cloth pads.

2. Research objective

2.1 Project area

The empowerment method employed utilizes a participatory approach. The empowerment target population focuses on the female residents of Kampung Muka, situated in RW (Rukun Tetangga—RT) 04, which encompasses 9 RTs (Rukun Tetangga). The empowerment initiatives enhance women’s reproductive health and environmental sustainability and augment family income.

Administratively, Muka Village is located in the Pademangan Subdistrict, Ancol Village, North Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. This residential area is also situated near the railway line, attracting many incoming residents due to its convenient accessibility from various directions. See Figure 1, map location Muka Village (MV).

Figure 1.

Kampung Muka’s area in North Jakarta District. Based on its geographical position, Kampung Muka has the following boundaries: North: Jl. Kampung Bandan; South: Kemayoran railway track; East: Kemayoran railway track; West: Kampung Kunir.

2.2 Characteristics of Kampung Muka environment

An urban village, such as Kampung Muka, exhibits distinctive features, including residents who still retain rural lifestyle characteristics and behaviors, closely bound by familial ties. The physical conditions of buildings and the environment are often suboptimal and disorganized, with high population and building density. Kampung Muka faces challenges like minimal open spaces, limited land, and narrow alleyways. The high population, heterogeneous nature, and proximity to the economic center contribute to the perception of Kampung Muka, reflecting the characteristics of an urban village.

According to a study conducted by Adinata et al., Kampung Muka, based on the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing Regulation No. 2 of 2016 concerning the Improvement of the Quality of Slums and Slum Settlements, falls into the category of mild slums. The scoring of infrastructure elements in Kampung Muka consists of three parameters: if the quality of the infrastructure is poor or 76–100% poor, it is assigned a score of 5; if the quality is moderate or 51–75% average, a score of 3 is given; and if the quality is good or 25–50% good, a score of 1 is assigned. The severity of environmental quality is classified as heavy slums for a total score of 55–75, moderate slums for a total score of 35–54, and mild slums for a total score of 15–34.

In assessing various aspects, particular attention is directed toward the waste management system. Most of the community needs an understanding of proper waste sorting methods, leading to suboptimal waste management in the settlement, especially concerning separating wet and dry waste. This condition aligns with the data obtained from discussions held by Peduli Perempuan and members of the women’s community in Kampung Muka. All discussion participants stated that they do not practice waste separation, particularly in the case of sanitary napkin waste.

In addition to the issue of waste sorting, waste piles at the Waste Disposal Site (WDS) are still visible due to irregular or unscheduled garbage collection by sanitation workers. The open condition of the WDS leads to scattered waste along the streets, causing an unpleasant odor in the surrounding settlement.

The community in Kampung Muka exhibits significant diversity, represented by a selected group of respondents observed in this research. Most of the chosen respondents are male (82%), which aligns with the data collection method, which targets household heads and village officials. Generally, active community participation tends to fall within the age range of 31–40 years (33%), with the majority having completed elementary school (35%) and junior high school (30%). This age range indicates a productive adult stage. The community’s education level is relatively low, especially among elementary school graduates, which influences their knowledge of environmental standards.

Most community members work as entrepreneurs (46%) and laborers (34%), with the majority earning in the range of US$ 100–US$ 200 (33%) per month, which is below the DKI Jakarta Regional Minimum Wage (UMR). Most Kampung Muka residents need specialized skills, leading to difficulty finding suitable employment. On average, people residing in Kampung Muka have been settled for 20–30 years (51%), indicating a high level of affiliation with their residential area.

2.3 Characteristics of the Women’s community

The women in Kampung Muka have formed a community known as the Kampung Muka Women’s Community, consisting of approximately 30 members. Most community members play roles as housewives, but some engage in small businesses such as grocery stores, rice eateries, cake vendors, and other informal ventures. The age range of community members is between 25 and 65 years old. On average, their educational level ranges from junior high school to senior high school. Therefore, their understanding of sustainable environments is relatively sound.

Community members have actively participated in several educational programs related to environmental management, such as learning to create organic fertilizer and engaging in empowerment programs, including crafting skills, facilitated by non-governmental organizations. However, community members need help producing reusable sanitary pads and managing their businesses. For those members who already possess crafting abilities, the product manufacturing process is conducted at home during their leisure time.

The entire range of community activities consistently receives backing from leaders and staff at the local government level, spanning from neighborhood associations (Rukun Warga) to the sub-district. This support is evident in the community’s involvement in various initiatives organized by local government authorities. The construction of meeting facilities is also a manifestation of the government’s endorsement, aiming to facilitate the activities of the women’s community in Kampung Muka.

3. Needs assessment stage

The needs assessment is conducted through a series of methods, including observation, informal discussions with stakeholders, and surveys of participants using guided questions. This approach aims to identify specific needs that will be addressed during the training and business skills development sessions by the Women’s Care and Biyung Indonesia teams.

An interview guide with predetermined questions is utilized to gather in-depth information on various aspects, including the menstrual pad waste management process, business priorities, and potential interventions. Interviews are conducted orally to facilitate the participation of participants who may need more confidence in written responses. Specific questions involve a general understanding of cloth pads, pad production, quality control, sales and marketing strategies, business sustainability, and the trademark registration process. The data collected from this assessment is the foundation for conducting pre- and post-training evaluations, helping measure the project’s impact on the Women’s Community Cloth Pad business in Kampung Muka. Women’s Care actively coordinates with relevant stakeholders, such as the head of the Neighborhood Association and local officials, including other community leaders, to ensure support for the cloth pad project.

In Kampung Muka, Peduli Perempuan engaged in a limited discussion with 20 members of the women’s community. This group comprises four leaders, community administrators, and 16 homemakers. Before responding to the questions, the Women’s Care Team explained the objectives of developing the cloth pad business. All participants answered the questions through enthusiastic oral interviews. Eighteen women are familiar with this assessment process as they have previously participated in a handicraft-making training program organized by a non-governmental organization.

From the 2-hour needs assessment session, Women’s Care gathered crucial information about the community’s needs through discussions. Identified needs from the community members include the desire to create and use cloth pads and engage in the cloth pad business process to generate additional income for their families.

4. Training stage

The training was conducted in two sessions in Kampung Muka to educate women in (a) reproductive health and business planning and (b) practical production of cloth pads. In the first session, which focused on education and business planning, 25 participants attended for 8 hours. During this session, participants shared their expectations, including plans they intended to pursue after completing the cloth pad training program. In this session, they learned, among other things, (a) the impact of cloth pad usage on women’s reproductive health and the environment, (b) creating a business model with the help of the Business Model Canvas, (c) marketing cloth pad products, (d) accessing raw materials, and (e) registering product trademarks.

Three trainers from Peduli Perempuan facilitated the training. The trainers elucidated the business concept easily using teaching methods such as lectures, Q&A sessions, group discussions, and games. The training also included instruction on creating simple business records for the community. The participants were fully engaged and responsive throughout the training. The afternoon session was dedicated to group discussions with clear expected outcomes, including the business models they intended to pursue, marketing strategies to implement, and plans to register the trademark of cloth pad products.

Participants learned the practical aspects of cloth pad production in the second session. This session was facilitated by two trainers from Biyung Indonesia, who were accompanied by the Peduli Perempuan team. Participants learned, among other things, (a) an introduction to the raw materials of cloth pads, (b) cloth pad patterns, (c) sewing techniques for cloth pads, (d) packaging cloth pad products, and (e) the process of washing cloth pads.

The participants appeared very enthusiastic during each phase of the activity. They demonstrated good sewing skills from observations, making it relatively easy to create cloth pads according to the standards. Each participant was tasked with creating two cloth pad products, and all 23 participants completed the task.

5. Evaluation

Women’s Care conducted the project evaluation process by analyzing information obtained from the needs assessment of women in Kampung Muka. The Women’s Care team also conducted post-training visits for assessment purposes.

6. Assessment evaluation

Only 20 women participated in the discussion held indoors. All participants were enthusiastic about engaging in the production, distribution, and sale of cloth pads. Initially, the participants seemed eager to discuss menstruation in the presence of men but later opened up. Many women admitted to being somewhat concerned upon hearing that the disposable pads they commonly used contained potentially harmful substances in the long run. They also acknowledged gaining new knowledge about their reproductive organs’ health, particularly how they should properly care for them.

In the discussion, women from Kampung Muka expressed that menstruation is a unique challenge, and its impacts vary based on their daily activities. Homemakers’ household chores can be challenging, involving cooking, cleaning, fetching water, doing laundry, and washing dishes. For instance, some women feel unwell and unproductive before and during menstruation. Almost all participants also stated that their preference for disposable pads was influenced by comfort, ease of acquisition, and what they perceived as straightforward disposal of pad waste during menstruation.

When the discussion shifted toward the environmental issues caused by disposable sanitary pad waste, diverse responses emerged from the participants. Most participants acknowledged that disposing of disposable sanitary pads could harm the environment. However, they expressed willingness to try using cloth pads as an alternative to disposable ones. Some participants also stated that they would still use disposable pads in combination with cloth pads.

Participants’ enthusiasm increased when they received information about selling the cloth pads they produced. All participants expressed their willingness to develop cloth pad products as a new source of income. Unfortunately, the participants’ marketing skills, limited access to raw materials, and knowledge about registering a product brand were still deficient.

7. Post-training

The Women’s Care was evaluated to determine the extent of the impact on the participants.

Out of the 25 training participants, 15 have successfully produced reusable menstrual pads that meet the established quality standards. The remaining participants showed production results that still needed to complete the product quality standards. They acknowledged the need for more practice to improve their ability to produce reusable menstrual pads according to the set standards. The 15 participants who successfully created standard-quality reusable menstrual pads have engaged in the production process at home for personal use and to fulfill orders from potential buyers. Orders for the menstrual pads are placed through the community of women in Kampung Muka, with offline transactions managed by community leaders. Additionally, orders were received from a male supporter who expressed willingness to assist in marketing the reusable menstrual pads.

Participants who successfully produced standard-quality cloth pads in 1 week could average 10 product units. The production process took place during their leisure time. Throughout the production process, participants who had mastered the standard cloth pad-making skills assisted their peers in improving the quality of the products. This reflects collaboration and knowledge transfer among community members, strengthening their skills in creating products that meet the established quality standards (Table 1).

No	Testimony
1	“I can now produce ten pieces of cloth pads. Some I will use myself, and the rest I will sell through the community.” - Housewife, 32 years old.
2	“I have started using my handmade cloth pads. However, there is still a need for adjustment to match the comfort of disposable pads.” - Housewife, 45 years old.
3	“Some orders for cloth pads have already come in from our colleagues through the community organizers.” - Community leader, 51 years old.
4	“I have successfully created a business bookkeeping system for the cloth pad business. However, it seems like I need a more detailed system for data input.” - Bookkeeping coordinator, 28 years old.

Table 1.

Testimonials on post-training evaluations.

Fifteen participants reported that they had used cloth pads during their menstrual periods, highlighting an initial adaptation period to their usage. They explained experiencing discomfort when using cloth pads, but after several uses, they felt comfortable. On the other hand, participants who had yet to try cloth pads expressed their intention to improve the quality of their self-made cloth pads before using them. This illustrates the varied experiences and perspectives within the community regarding the adoption and comfort levels associated with using cloth pads.

In managing the cloth pad business, the community has adopted a simple bookkeeping system, still utilizing manual methods. However, there are some complaints regarding the considerable time required for bookkeeping tasks. Two community members responsible for these duties have reported challenges related to efficiency and the time needed. They desire to enhance the bookkeeping system for greater efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the sustainability of their cloth pad business.

8. Discussion

The research conducted in Kampung Muka can serve as a reference for developing studies on various issues.

9. Long-term social and economic impact analysis

Research on the long-term impact of using cloth pads in Kampung Muka can delve into the community’s economic and social well-being. In the economic context, the study can measure the growth of family income among community members, identify changes in spending patterns, and analyze the positive financial impact derived from the production of cloth pads. On the social front, the research focus can be directed toward women’s participation in local economic activities, exploring how increased income empowers women to take an active role in the community. The analysis can also involve evaluating the attendance rates of female students in schools, determining whether the availability of cloth pads has reduced school absenteeism due to menstrual constraints, and to what extent this positively impacts the education and overall development of women in Kampung Muka.

10. Researching the effectiveness of training

Conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which the training provided by Women’s Care and Biyung Indonesia effectively enhances community members’ skills in producing cloth pads. The research may encompass aspects such as participant satisfaction, skill improvement, and the training’s impact on the sustainability of production. Examining participant satisfaction involves understanding their overall contentment with the training content and delivery. Assessing skill improvement will measure the tangible enhancements in the participant’s ability to produce high-quality cloth pads. Additionally, investigating the training’s impact on sustainability will explore whether participants can consistently and independently engage in the production process after the training concludes. This comprehensive evaluation aims to provide valuable insights into the overall effectiveness of the training program.

11. Researching material and production innovations

It is studying material innovations for environmentally friendly and efficient cloth pads. This research will explore sustainable alternatives and materials that contribute to the overall eco-friendliness of the product. Investigating modern and effective production technologies is crucial for enhancing production capacity and product quality. This involves exploring advanced manufacturing methods, automation, and technological solutions that can optimize the production process. The focus is on identifying materials that are not only sustainable but also cost-effective, ensuring that the production aligns with both environmental and economic considerations. By embracing innovative materials and production technologies, the goal is to elevate cloth pad production’s overall sustainability and efficiency in Kampung Muka.

Developing new products and trials on reusable pad products offers the potential to reduce waste flows. However, standards and regulations for these products only exist in some countries, so performance research is required to determine the quality standards that will guide future product development. Establishing performance and quality standards for such products is essential for hygienic use and has important implications for disposal and waste management [19].

12. The role of government in small business development

The study on the role of local government in supporting and facilitating small businesses, such as cloth pad production at the community level, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurship in Kampung Muka. The research will explore the policies, incentives, and obstacles the community faces in developing their business. Examining the supportive policies and incentives the local government provides can shed light on the enabling environment for small enterprises. Additionally, identifying and addressing any barriers or challenges the community entrepreneurs face will contribute to formulating recommendations for policy improvements. This research aims to provide insights into how the local government can play a more effective role in fostering the growth of small businesses, promoting economic sustainability, and empowering local communities.

13. Conclusion

The cloth project in Kampung Muka has concluded with several positive social and environmental impacts. Firstly, the successful training of 15 participants in producing cloth pads according to standards demonstrates a tangible achievement of the project’s primary objectives. This accomplishment signifies a significant step toward promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices within the community. This aligns with research conducted by Kobia et al. [20], which states that directly developing recycle pads in the community can solve the 3P problems of people, planet, and profit. Moreover, women who are satisfied with the quality of the recycled pads are prepared to promote the product to their friends.

Furthermore, the encouraging shift toward using locally produced menstrual pads among the training participants is a positive sign of the project’s impact on behavior change. The growing adoption of these sustainable alternatives bodes well for the community’s overall health and environmental sustainability.

As a next step, it is imperative to address the need for ongoing training, particularly for those community members who have demonstrated proficiency in menstrual pad production. Providing advanced training to empower them as trainers in menstrual pad production would contribute to the project’s sustainability and foster knowledge dissemination within the community. The findings also align with the HERS-EA program that trains Butaleja women on how to make cloth pads. As a result, in December 2015, women in the Butaleja District made and sold the first batch of reusable cloth pads and were ready to develop further skills and business if they could access additional capital [21].

Lastly, the evaluation emphasizes the importance of enhancing the quality of the bookkeeping system and marketing strategies. These improvements are crucial to ensuring the long-term success of the menstrual pad business. The project can solidify its impact, empower the community, and contribute to sustainable menstrual hygiene practices in Kampung Muka by addressing these areas.