Celebrating the Women Behind Waste: A Day of Health, Wellness and Hope

Sep 8

3 min read

There are days that you attend, and then there are days that you feel.

Our Women’s Health and Wellness Day with female waste pickers was one of those special days a day filled with laughter, dancing, delicious food, meaningful conversations and, most importantly, stories of strength, resilience and hope.

As we gathered to celebrate the incredible women who form an important part of the waste-picking community, we had the opportunity to step beyond the work and truly get to know the women behind it. And what an inspiring group of women they are.

More Than Waste Picking

One of the most powerful parts of the day was hearing directly from the women about what waste picking means to them. For many, it is more than simply collecting recyclable materials. It is a livelihood, a source of dignity and a pathway towards a better life.

Some shared how waste picking has enabled them to build homes for their families. Others spoke about being able to put food on the table and provide for their children.

Behind every bag collected, every recyclable material recovered and every long day spent working is a woman with a story, a family and a dream.

Their stories reminded us that when we create opportunities and support people, we are not simply managing waste we are changing lives.

Caring for the Women Behind the Work

The day was also an opportunity to remind our women that their health and wellbeing matter.

The Ditsobotla Sub-District joined us to share important health and wellness information with our young women, creating a safe space for learning, questions and meaningful conversations.

It was a reminder that sustainability extends beyond the environment. It is also about people.

We cannot build healthy, thriving communities without caring for the people who are at the heart of them.

A Day Filled With Joy

Of course, no celebration would be complete without a little dancing!

There was music, laughter, good food and plenty of moments that brought everyone together. For a while, the daily challenges were set aside, and the women simply enjoyed being celebrated.

And perhaps that is what made the day so beautiful the realisation that wellness is not only about health talks and information. Wellness is also about connection, joy, community and knowing that you matter.

Above All, We Give Thanks

As meaningful as the day was, we know that every good thing begins and ends with God.

We were honoured to have a speaker share the Word and remind us that, above everything we do, God remains at the centre. We give all praise and glory to the Most High for allowing us to gather, celebrate and share such a special day together.

It Takes a Village

A day like this does not happen because of one organisation or one person. It happens when people come together with a shared purpose.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Polyco and Fibre Circle for partnering with Calsan and helping make this celebration possible. Your support helped create a space where women could feel seen, heard, celebrated and empowered. Because, truly, it takes a village. And what a beautiful village it was.

To our incredible female waste pickers: thank you for allowing us to celebrate you. Your hands are helping build cleaner communities, but your stories are building something even greater hope, dignity and a better future for the generations that follow.

Your work matters. Your stories matter. And you matter. Here’s to the women who keep going, keep providing, keep believing and keep making a difference one day, one collection and one family at a time.

Happy Women’s Health and Wellness Day to the remarkable women behind the work.