09/06/2026
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡
For Anita Tamang from Sindhupalchok District, waste work was not a choice but a necessity. With limited formal education and few livelihood options, she entered the sanitation sector to support herself and her family. The work was physically exhausting, carrying heavy loads, loading and unloading waste, and manually separating glass, plastic and cartons. Cuts and injuries were routine.
Beyond the physical strain, there was social stigma. “People used to look down on me and say, ‘You work with garbage? Is that even a job?’” Anita recalls.
Like many sanitation workers in Nepal, Anita worked without proper protective equipment, basic facilities or social protection. Women faced even greater hardships: changing clothes in open
spaces, limited access to toilets, and increased health and safety risks.
Her situation began to change after she received training and support through the International Labour Organization’s Promoting Rights and Social Inclusion through Organization and Formalization – Phase II project.
“The first improvement I noticed was dignity,” Anita says. “We now have a proper changing room. For women, this made a huge difference.”
Today, workers at her site have boots, gloves, masks and caps, and regularly use personal protective equipment. Separate toilets for women and men have improved safety and hygiene. Training on
occupational safety, appropriate workwear and proper waste-handling techniques has reduced workplace risks.
Perhaps the most transformative change for Anita was learning about workers’ rights and collective voice.
“I learned the importance of joining a union,” she says with pride. “I was even selected as the Chairperson of the enterprise-level union women’s committee.”
Through the training, Anita also learned about the benefits of enrolling in Nepal’s Social security fund (SSF) how health insurance, accident coverage and long-term protection can safeguard
workers’ futures, especially when they are no longer able to work.
“Although we work in sanitation, getting enrolled in the SSF would support our future,” she says.
“Especially when our bodies can no longer handle this work.”
Today, Anita is a strong advocate for dignity, respect and recognition for sanitation workers. With rapid urbanization and growing waste volumes, the sector is expanding, yet many workers still lack formal contracts, minimum wages and social protection.
“The training gave me knowledge and confidence,” Anita reflects.
“These lessons have made my life much easier. Now, I am happy.”
Sanitation workers like Anita protect public health and the environment every day. Recognizing their work as essential and ensuring safety, fair wages and social protection is not just policy, it is justice.
As Anita’s story shows, when workers are supported, empowered and respected, they do more
than survive - they lead.
International Labour Organization United Nations Nepal
Japan - The Government of Japan
