Kutch: Rajiben Wankar, a resident of Avadhnagar village in Kutch district, has realized a unique resolve of women empowerment and environmental protection. By managing plastic waste in a systematic manner under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Rajiben has given a living form to the principle of waste-to-wealth. She has provided employment to many women by weaving useful items from waste plastic.
Born in the year 1979 in Kotai village of Bhuj taluka, Rajiben could study only up to the second standard. Rajiben, who was involved in labor and weaving since childhood, faced a financial crisis after the sudden death of her husband. With the responsibility of two sons and a daughter, she came to Avadhnagar village in 2007 to live and support her family by working as a laborer. During this time, after getting information about the ‘Mission Mangalam Yojana’, Rajiben formed “Kuldevi Sakhi Mandal” and took an important step towards self-reliance.
Rajiben, along with the women in the Sakhi Mandal, started collecting plastic waste and converting it into yarn to make items like bags, mats and furniture. Overcoming the struggles of life as a single woman, Rajiben not only took care of her family, but also gave employment and self-respect to many rural women.
Gujarat’s Rural Development Department is implementing many important schemes like Community Investment Fund, Cash Credit Loan. Under which Rajiben received Rs. 70,000 from the Community Investment Fund assistance received through the village organization and Rs. 2 lakh from the cash credit loan, she established a production unit with 15 women. Through which today more than 35 women have become self-reliant. As a result, they are doing a business of Rs. 8 to 10 lakh every year. Thus, Rajiben is inspiring women about the importance of savings, education and self-confidence.
Rajiben has become a source of inspiration for many families with her ideas by providing higher education to her daughter, despite her low education. For her remarkable work, she has been honored with several awards at the state and national levels, including the President’s Award (Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman) for excellence in plastic waste management for her outstanding performance. Apart from this, she has also received the Nari Award (2021-GLPC), Social Entrepreneur Award-NABARD and Women Excellence Award (2022).
Thus, with strong morale and strong willpower, every woman can stand on her feet. This journey of Rajiben Wankar proves that with determination, hard work and proper guidance, rural women can become self-reliant and create a new identity in society. Along with this, it can also inspire them to move towards a plastic-free, clean and sustainable environment.
