JatimVoice.com – In celebration of Kartini Day 2025, Dewi Ratna Sari (37), a resident of Dusun Tenggor, Madiopuro, Sumobito, has made a name for herself by creating environmentally friendly diapers and sanitary pads.
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| Source: suarajatimpost |
Beyond generating additional income for her family, Ratna—as she is affectionately called—aims to contribute to saving the planet.
In an interview, Ratna shared the story behind her pioneering business. It all began in 2014, after the birth of her child, when she questioned the environmental impact of disposable diapers. Determined to find a solution, she started researching reusable cloth diapers (clodi) and washable menstrual pads.
At the time, eco-friendly products were still relatively expensive. Armed with courage, raw materials from local communities, and newly acquired sewing skills, Ratna began crafting her own cloth diapers and pads.
“At first, I made them only for my child using leftover fabric. Then I started selling them—and surprisingly, many people were interested,” Ratna said on Monday (21/4/2025).
Gradually, demand grew, prompting her to increase production. Today, Ratna manufactures cloth diapers, reusable pads, and other eco-friendly products.
Her initiative not only reduces domestic waste by repurposing fabric scraps from tailors but also creates job opportunities for local residents.
“About 97% of our employees are women. They grow, learn, and become part of the environmental solution,” said the alumna of Muhammadiyah University of Malang’s Informatics Engineering program.
According to Ratna, her cloth diaper and pad business is a small but meaningful contribution to reducing dry waste on Earth.
“Reusable fabric products have been proven to cut down waste and save water and detergent,” she explained.
For Ratna, being an empowered woman doesn’t mean abandoning her roles as a mother and wife. Multitasking, she believes, is a woman’s gift.
“If we use our abilities to learn and create, our value—and our livelihood—will increase,” she said.
However, she acknowledges the challenges. Younger generations, accustomed to convenience, often hesitate to wash reusable diapers or pads.
“Education is key, both online and offline. We collaborate with environmental activists to raise awareness,” she emphasized.
Ratna’s story stands as an inspiring example of how innovation and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand—proving that small steps can lead to big changes.