In the bustling streets of Delhi, there exists a silent struggle endured by many like Sukha—a mother of four, whose day started before dawn, embracing the quiet hours before the world awakened. With her children in tow, she prepared breakfast, ensuring her family’s nourishment before embarking on her daily journey. Unable to leave her young ones unattended at home, Sukha’s workday began with a familiar routine—a trek from house to house, collecting garbage to sustain her family.
For Sukha, life was a relentless cycle of hardship, where every day posed a new challenge in making ends meet for her family. Being a waste worker, the process of collecting and segregating waste, often carried out in isolated and open spaces, presents significant health risks due to exposure to toxic elements.
Amidst the chaos of her daily existence, a ray of hope emerged when Sukha grabbed the opportunity to work at the Material Recovery and Segregation Facility (MRF). This turning point marked a significant shift in Sukha’s life—a transition from the margins of society to a formal employee equipped with safety gear and a stable income.
No longer confined to the uncertainty of waste picking, Sukha found herself empowered by the prospects of formal employment at the MRF. Equipped with safety gear and training, she embraced her new role with determination. Gone were the days of precarious earnings and hazardous working conditions—Sukha now stood tall as a symbol of empowerment and progress.
Tetri’s story resonates deeply with Sukha’s. Tetri and her husband faced the harsh realities of life as waste pickers. The meager earnings they scraped together barely covered the essentials, leaving their family of five teetering on the brink of poverty.
Yet, Tetri’s spirit remained unbroken. Fueled by resilience and dedication, Tetri embraced the chance to shape a brighter future for herself and her children. And like Sukha, Tetri discovered hope in the MRF—a sanctuary from the uncertainties of waste picking.
From earning Rs 200 per day to gaining an average income of Rs 18,000 per month, the initiative has brought about a substantial transformation in their lives. Moreover, employment at the MRF offers more than just financial benefits. Women waste workers wear uniforms and use gloves to segregate waste as part of an assembly line, ensuring their safety and well-being in the workplace. Additionally, the facility provides amenities such as access to sanitary pads from a dispensing machine, addressing an essential aspect of female health and hygiene.
Through the collaborative efforts of The Coca-Cola India Foundation and an Environmental NGO- Chintan towards creating #She The Difference, multiple women like Sukha and Tetri found not just employment, but also gained financial independence and empowerment. Now their increased confidence speaks volumes about the impactful results of inclusive development initiatives.
As Sukha and Tetri continue their journeys of empowerment, their stories serve as an inspiration for marginalized communities everywhere. They remind us that with perseverance and the right opportunities, individuals can break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families.
