Picking Up Plastic, Picking Up Respect: Rahela’s Journey

Rahela Begum from Mongla Sadar never thought her work would earn her respect. For years, she collected plastic waste under the hot sun, her hands bare, breathing in dust and smoke. People passed by with judgment in their eyes. But she kept going. 

Because with three children and a husband driving a van, every single taka mattered.

The job was tough. Cuts, fever, and pain followed her home every day. She had no gloves, no mask, no safety. Just survival.

Everything changed when she joined the PRISTINE Project of Arannayk Foundation. At first, she didn’t believe training or a few supplies could make a difference. But once she learned how to work safely and received protective gear, gloves, mask, vest, boots, sanitizer, goggles, she felt something new- the dignity.

Now Rahela collects and sorts around three kilograms of plastic waste daily and has already sent 300 kg to the project’s recycling hub. Her monthly income has climbed to 8,000–9,000 taka. For the first time, she can buy better food and medicine for her family.

And something else changed too. Her community’s view of her. Neighbors who once looked down on her now respect the value of her work.

“For the first time, I feel proud of what I do. I earn for my family and protect nature,” says Rahela.

She adds with confidence,

“I want other women to know that our work has value. We are not just cleaning waste—we are keeping our children’s future safe.”

Today, Rahela isn’t just a waste collector. She is a role model. She’s teaching other women to work safely, to stand up for themselves, and to see their work as vital for the environment.

Her story is proof, when people get the right support, what once seemed worthless can become powerful. What was “waste picking” is now environmental protection.