My name is Pinakini Ben Solanki, a waste recycler from the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat State. I was born in a family where waste recycling has been the source of livelihood for generations, my mother was also a waste recycler and so was my grandmother. But the difference is that I was introduced to the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) at an early age which paved my way to the future. I learned about the importance of education and got a graduate degree and also made sure that both my children get good education from the beginning – today my daughter is studying medicine and my son just completed his high school. I am an elected member of SEWA’s executive committee and represent waste recyclers in the same. Additionally, I am part of the SEWA’s Gitanjali – a waste recyclers cooperative making products from waste paper and the Value Creation Centre (VCC). Lastly, in line with SEWA’s vision, work on empowerment of women workers including waste recyclers with 3 Vs – voice, visibility and viability.
