Over the past year, communities along the Balantieng River in South Sulawesi have shown what becomes possible when women are supported to lead solutions to plastic pollution.

Plastic waste affects everyone in the watershed, but women are among the most impacted. They are responsible for household water, waste and family health, and they are often the first to experience the consequences of polluted rivers. At the same time, they are proving to be the strongest drivers of change.

From vulnerability to leadership

In six villages along the Balantieng River, women’s groups stepped into new roles as researchers, advocates and organisers. They were trained in water quality monitoring and microplastics analysis, enabling them to document plastic pollution in their own river using credible, locally generated data. With this evidence, women engaged village authorities and decision-makers and presented their findings at the regional parliament.

These advocacy efforts translated into concrete outcomes. Several villages formally allocated part of their village budgets to community-based waste solutions, embedding women-led action within local governance structures.

Women-led economic solutions

Alongside advocacy, women also developed practical, income-generating alternatives to single-use plastics. Women-run refill stores were established in villages along the river, providing affordable daily products without plastic packaging. These refill stores reduce waste at the source while strengthening women’s economic independence and role in the local economy.

The refill stores have become visible and trusted spaces in the villages. Beyond selling products, they serve as places for dialogue about plastic, health and river protection, led by women who are increasingly recognised as local leaders.

What one year has shown

After just twelve months, the Balantieng experience shows that women are both the most affected by plastic pollution and the most effective leaders in addressing it. Evidence-based advocacy by women can influence local decision-making, while women-led economic initiatives make sustainable behaviour accessible and viable for entire communities.

Protecting the Balantieng River is essential for clean water, food production and the future of thousands of families. The first year of action has laid a strong foundation rooted in women’s leadership, community ownership and practical solutions.

If this work resonates with you, support for the next phase of women-led action along the Balantieng River is possible through the ongoing GoFundMe campaign.