A Conversation with Yuyun Ismawati: Women and Chemicals

By Tripti Arora, IPEN Gender Coordinator

Yuyun Ismawati, co-founder and senior advisor of Nexus3 Foundation, has dedicated her career to understanding the impact of chemicals on women. With over 25 years of experience, Yuyun has developed a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding chemicals and their effects on women's health.

Early Beginnings

Yuyun's journey began in 2008 when she witnessed the devastating effects of mercury pollution in artisanal small-scale gold mining on women and children. This experience sparked her desire to simplify complex chemical issues, making them accessible to everyone, especially women.

"I saw the impact of mercury pollution on women and children, and it was heartbreaking," Yuyun recalled. "Nobody seemed to care, and there was little support for the affected communities. This situation led me to explore other overlooked issues related to chemicals in Indonesia."

The Impact of Chemical Exposure on Women

Yuyun highlighted the differences in how chemicals affect men and women. Physiological differences, cultural roles, and limited access to information exacerbate the risks for women.

"For example, in gold mining sites, women are often tasked with crushing ore and grinding it, inhaling toxic dust without proper protection," Yuyun explained. "This can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Similarly, in dental clinics, dental nurses – often women – are exposed to mercury vapor when mixing amalgam or burning gold, affecting their reproductive health and overall well-being."

Cultural roles also play a significant part in exposing women to chemicals. "Women are often responsible for household chores, childcare, and cooking," Yuyun noted. "These roles can expose them to chemicals in cleaning products, plastics, and other everyday items."

Working with Women to Address Chemical Exposure

Yuyun also highlights the importance of tailoring communication strategies to different stakeholder groups. "We have to simplify the words and terms related to the issue—make it more down-to-earth, connect it with their daily activities, and see where they could help or prevent harm. For instance, many women and children gather in areas where miners burn gold, unaware of the dangers of inhaling mercury vapor. I have seen children lying weak in communal gathering spaces, and when I asked what was happening, I was told they had fevers and were always tired. That’s when I explained, ‘This is from the smoke coming from the gold burning.’ Without using complicated terms, we discussed how they could prevent their children from getting sick, and the women themselves demanded that gold burning be moved away from gathering areas."

When working with policymakers, a different approach was necessary. "We used equipment to demonstrate mercury vapor concentrations in real time. When we showed policymakers the levels using Lumex, they were shocked. Some even asked if there were cheaper alternatives to measure mercury, and they ended up purchasing three devices to monitor it themselves. This led to establishing a stricter standard for mercury exposure, though it took three years to achieve. Bridging the gap between local realities and policy is key."

Yuyun also experienced an unexpected alliance with industry stakeholders. "In some cases, the industry approached us before we reached out to them. The medical equipment industry, for instance, wanted to transition away from mercury-based devices like thermometers and sphygmomanometers. They saw our campaign and wanted to collaborate. It was surprising because it’s rare for an industry association to approach an NGO. But what we found was that while the industry was ready to shift, outdated procurement policies were still requiring mercury-based equipment. That’s where advocacy needs to step in—not just to educate communities, but also to push for systemic change."

Despite the challenges, Yuyun remains hopeful. "We have seen communities successfully move away from mercury use. When women are empowered with knowledge, they take action. I have worked with groups that switched to mercury-free gold processing methods, and now they are teaching others. This is why education and advocacy are so important."

Challenges Faced by Women

Yuyun identified three key challenges women face in addressing chemical issues:

1. Education: Limited access to information and education on chemicals hinders women's ability to participate in decision-making processes.
2. Support Systems: Women often lack support from family, friends, and teachers, making it difficult to pursue their interests in chemical issues.
3. Opportunities: Women face limited opportunities to engage in chemical-related work, and when they do, they often encounter barriers and challenges.

Advice for Women Passionate About Chemical Issues

Yuyun offered three pieces of advice:

1. Focus: Learn to focus on your goals and avoid distractions.
2. Read: Develop a reading habit, especially when it comes to books on chemical issues.
3. Network: Engage with different groups and expand your knowledge on chemicals to grow and create opportunities.

Yuyun emphasized the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of challenges. She encouraged women to stay focused on their goals and to continuously seek out new knowledge and opportunities. Additionally, Yuyun highlighted the importance of collaboration and working together to achieve common goals.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Yuyun emphasized the importance of education and awareness in addressing chemical issues. "Education is key to empowering women and communities to take action," she said. "We must raise awareness about the risks associated with chemical exposure and provide accurate information and resources to support decision-making."

Conclusion

As our conversation came to a close, Yuyun expressed her hope that her experiences and insights would inspire and empower women to take action on chemical issues. "I want to see more women involved in addressing chemical issues," she said. "Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone."

Watch part of the conversation with Yuyun here: