ABSTRACT
Indonesia is the second biggest marine plastic polluter in the world. However, systematic research on the circular economy as a strategy to tackle the issue has not yet been undertaken. Many circular economy related initiatives have taken place in the country and engaged poor women, and this chapter discusses whether circular economy approaches can contribute to women empowerment and vice versa. Three initiatives were taken as case studies: Dreamdelion, SiDalang and PEKKA. Dreamdelion and SiDalang have focused on providing upcycling training to poor women, while PEKKA works on rights advocacy of women who are heads of households. PEKKA also provided women beneficiaries with upcycling training as part of its engagement with the local governments in tackling waste issues. These circular economy initiatives have opened a space for liberal empowerment, but still need to provide additional skills for women to challenge the roots of inequality. PEKKA linked economic empowerment to a broader gender advocacy with the government. This has created an opportunity for women to participate in local policymaking. Evidently, circular economy initiatives could further enhance women empowerment by engaging with local governments.
