Sanitation is a basic human right, yet millions of people in India lack access to safe and hygienic toilets. This poses a serious threat to their health, dignity, and well-being. Moreover, the burden of poor sanitation falls disproportionately on women – both at home and outside. The women who work in sanitation often also face harassment, violence, and discrimination. These are the women who clean our toilets, drains, sewers, and septic tanks. Essentially the women who make it possible for people like us to live in clean surroundings.
The stigma aside, the work itself can be dangerous due to the lack of adequate protections. They often work in hazardous and degrading conditions, exposing themselves to infections, injuries, and stigma. They are also paid meagre wages and denied social security and dignity.
Despite these challenges, some women sanitation workers have overcome the odds and emerged as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. They have not only improved their own lives, but also inspired and empowered others to follow in their footsteps. They have also made significant contributions to the Swachh Bharat Mission, the government’s flagship program to make India open defecation free by 2019.
For many of these women, their journey towards transformation began with the Harpic World Toilet College (HWTC).
Harpic set up India’s first HWTC in 2016, with the stated objective of improving the quality of life of sanitation workers through their rehabilitation by linking them with dignified livelihood options. The college operates as a knowledge sharing platform with an aim to uplift the lives of the sanitation workers by educating them about their rights, health hazards, use of technology and alternate livelihood skills. Workers trained by the college are provided placement with various organisations. Following the successful proof of concept in Rishikesh, HWTCs have opened in Maharashtra, Aurangabad, in partnership with Harpic, Jagran Pehel and Maharashtra Government.
Here are some of the inspiring stories of women sanitation workers who have graduated from HWTC and transformed their futures:
Maya Sable: A Tale of Courage and Transformation
Maya Sable, at the age of 35, found herself in dire circumstances. Abandoned by her husband and left to fend for herself and her three daughters, she had no choice but to work in the unorganised sanitation sector, enduring deplorable conditions. For 12 long years, she persevered, driven by the fierce determination to secure a better life for her family.
Maya’s life took a turn when she completed her training at the Harpic World Toilet College (HWTC). Not only did she learn about how to better safeguard herself while working, she also learned that she has a right to demand these protections. She felt empowered to work in the organised sector, and soon found employment at a Clean and Care Facilities Service in Housekeeping, where she received more than double her previous salary. Today, she works eight hours a day, enjoying the benefits of PPE kits, a Provident Fund, ESI, and insurance.
Maya isn’t content with just transforming her own life, and is actively raising awareness among her fellow workers, helping them access training at HWTC. She often quotes her own life as an example, and has had a hand in helping many women sanitation workers finding better and safer avenues through training.
Archana Sonavane: Empowerment Through Digital Learning
Archana Sonavane, aged 32, cleaned toilets in her community for a meager ₹25, often facing refusals to even receive that modest payment. She hailed from a conservative family, where pursuing a proper job or training seemed unattainable.
Fortunately, Archana’s life took a positive turn when the HWTC introduced a digital training program. Enrolling in this program proved to be a life-changing decision. After completing her training, Archana secured a position at CIIGMA Hospital in Aurangabad, where she proudly ventured out for her new job. Her newfound stability allowed her to support her family during the pandemic, and she now single-handedly takes care of their needs.
Priyanka Jadhav: Empowering Women Through Technology
Priyanka Jadhav’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, the sole breadwinner of their family, fell seriously ill and became bedridden. In a desperate bid to support her family and care for her small children, Priyanka began cleaning toilets to make a living.
Priyanka’s life changed dramatically when her colleagues introduced her to the online training program at the HWTC. The program not only equipped her with new technology skills but also instilled a newfound respect for her work. She secured a permanent job at MGM Hospital in Aurangabad and even managed to save money for her children’s secure future, all while single-handedly handling her family’s expenses, including her husband’s treatment.
Conclusion: Empowering Women Sanitation Workers
The stories of these incredible women sanitation workers in India reveal a common thread of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity. Their journeys from hardship to empowerment serve as a testament to the transformative power of education, training, and opportunity.
For Harpic, these are stories that compel them to do more, and to contribute to the larger conversation around sanitation in a significant way. 3 years ago, Harpic joined hands with News18 to create Mission Swachhta aur Paani, a movement that champions the cause of inclusive sanitation, equality for all genders, abilities, castes and classes and the strong belief that clean toilets are a shared responsibility.
Mission Swachhta aur Paani combines intelligent dialogue between the right stakeholders, ie. government officials, NGOs, activists, sanitation workers, educators and members of the public, with the audience reach News18 brings. It has, for 3 years now, brought to light the many problems facing our sanitation infrastructure, and the sanitation workers who form its backbone. It also celebrates stories like the ones you’ve just read.
Harpic World Toilet College has played a pivotal role in shaping their futures, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to secure better jobs and improved living conditions. These women are not only cleaning toilets but also breaking stereotypes, changing mindsets, and building brighter futures for themselves and their families.
As we celebrate these unsung heroes, let us also acknowledge the importance of recognizing and appreciating the invaluable work of sanitation workers, especially women, who contribute to the cleanliness and hygiene of our communities. We invite you to this conversation – the more we all learn about the work that these women do, the greater our collective ability to enable and empower them to break through cultural barriers and stigmas.
Together, we can change the conversation. Join us here, to learn more about how you can be a part of the change.
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