Being a woman, with all the beautiful and demanding roles we juggle daily, should never be a barrier to action. In fact, whether we are mothers, professionals, creators, or students, we hold an incredible capacity to grow, to nurture, and to pour meaning into the world around us.
I was recently reminded of this truth in the most inspiring way, while leading the Women Plogging Run. The event was born from the heart of Bawi Runners, an inclusive community that creates a safe and empowering space for women to just move. The name itself holds a quiet power: “Bawi,” from the Dayak language, simply means woman. But within that simple word lies a universe of strength, solidarity, and courage. This special initiative was brought to life through a meaningful collaboration with Rimba Makmur Utama.
On the day of the run, we weren’t just a group of women exercising. Through plogging—that wonderful Swedish import that combines jogging with picking up trash—we turned small, individual actions into a powerful, shared statement. Each piece of trash collected was a step toward greater awareness and a tangible act of love for our environment.
But what truly moved me wasn’t just the 60 kg of waste we collected and handed over to the Sampit city municipal waste bank for recycling. It was the women behind the mission.
I saw mothers of young children, who had likely organized a small childcare just to be there. I saw women fresh from 9-to-5 jobs, and others who run their own small businesses, all showing up with ideas, laughter. Some of them might spend their days that often go unseen and unappreciated. Yet, given the space and a shared purpose, they transformed into creativity and meaningful action.
Our plogging run was a simple act, but it was a vibrant, sweaty, joyful reminder that the many hats we wear are not limits. They are not barriers. They are merely different ways we show our awareness of the environment.
When we come together, there is literally nothing we cannot contribute to.
(Article courtesy of Milena Amalia)
(Photos courtesy of RMU)
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