Gender Based Waste Management Model in Sei Sembilang, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatera Province

Abstract

Waste is one of the major problems in Sei Sembilang, a hamlet located in the Berbak-Sembilang National Park (BSNP) area. The area is difficult to reach, and to date, there is no effective waste management system applied. Waste management cannot be separated from the involvement of men and women; hence, a model that can accommodate the community’s interests and how gender plays a role in that model is needed. This study aims to develop an appropriate gender-based waste management model to overcome these problems. The study was conducted using mixed methods of Sequential Explanatory. Quantitative data were analyzed through 3 stages: editing, coding, and tabulation in tables and diagrams. Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively through 3 stages, that are reduction, presentation, and verification. The results showed that the community’s knowledge and attitudes, both men and women, were relatively high, but not accompanied by their behavior. Women tend to have a higher level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior than men. The waste management model that can be developed is an integrated waste management model that can accommodate all society levels. This model divides roles between the community, government, and the private sector. In this model, women have a more significant role in separating waste and recycling plastic waste into handicraft products. Men play a role in transporting and processing plastic waste into economically valuable plastic raw materials. Keyword: Berbak-Sembilang National Park, gender, waste management model