Background

Much of India’s urban sanitation and recycling is conducted by female waste pickers. Approximately 1.5 million women are employed per year to clean street waste in densely populated and littered areas. These women often lack access to basic healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and the hazardous and dangerous tasks associated with informal waste management often cause chronic health issues along the way. A report by Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group has found that the most common health issues among waste pickers are respiratory problems and musculoskeletal disorders, which occur due to prolonged exposure to toxic waste. 

In addition to the myriad physical challenges they face, female waste pickers in India also battle economic exploitation and social stigmatization. Despite their essential role in waste management, these women remain marginalized, with little recognition or support. They often work without formal work contracts, which leaves them vulnerable to unfair wages and job insecurity. Since their work is typically informal, this excludes them from labor protections, social security benefits, and access to financial services that could help improve their quality of life. Moreover, these women face constant harassment and discrimination, both in their professional and personal lives, further entrenching their marginalization and limiting their opportunities for upward mobility. 

There have been important initiatives set up by Chintan to support the health and empowerment of these workers, including educational materials to educate students on waste, and training modules for those working in the informal waste sector. Furthermore, they have supported the set-up of Safai Sena, a registered association of over 10,000 waste workers, which seeks to advocate for their rights, specifically their inclusion into government-led waste management projects. Project Adhikaar seeks to support the efforts of the organization with a special focus on empowering women waste pickers.