Empowering change from the ground up, Trichy's WinMin enterprise is driving initiatives, tackling the critical issue of sanitation.
Published Dec 16, 2023 | 9:19 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 16, 2023 | 9:36 AM
WinMin enterprise was started two years ago to address the sanitation needs of vulnerable groups. (Supplied)
J Rajeshwari’s memories overflow with vivid recollections of journeying to the serene Korai aaru (river) near her home in Trichy. However, those long walks through dense shrubs, especially on rainy days, were a task she hopes to forget.
“We trekked to the riverbank to relieve ourselves. Men on one side, and women on the other. It was a struggle, especially for children, women, and seniors. Sadly, for some, it’s still the same today,” Rajeshwari shares.
After marriage, like many women in Trichy’s Indra Nagar neighbourhood in Edaimalaipatti Pudur, Rajeshwari embraced the role of a homemaker. Yet, she harboured aspirations to improve local sanitation and eradicate open defecation practices.
A turning point came when officials from the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) visited the community, primarily inhabited by individuals involved in sanitation work and rag-picking, to address the issue of malfunctioning government-built toilets and their non-utilisation. This marked the beginning of Rajeshwari’s journey.
Today, Rajeshwari serves as the managing partner of Winmin, a women-led enterprise dedicated to offering sanitation solutions to vulnerable groups in the neighbourhood.
Winmin has successfully built three toilets, with a commitment to equip every household with this essential amenity. (Supplied)
The team has successfully built three toilets, with a commitment to equip every household with this essential amenity.
“I began using a toilet only recently. I’m determined that no one in our community should resort to open defecation,” Rajeshwari asserts.
During a meeting with administrators from IIHS, the women in the community aired their grievances, emphasising their lack of economic support.
“We also discussed the sanitation needs, focusing on how Korai aaru was a significant area for open defecation,” she recalls.
To address the economic needs of the women, they were encouraged to establish Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to overcome financial obstacles. “We formed six groups, each contributing ₹200 monthly for our collective needs,” explains the sanitation entrepreneur.
Even with their diligent savings, the problem of inadequate toilets persisted.
“During another meeting, when we revisited the discussion, the officers suggested that the SHG women take the initiative to construct toilets for the community. Although there was some uncertainty about how we would accomplish this, their encouragement motivated us, and we decided to take on the challenge! People like Amala ma’am and Priscilla ma’am from IIHS were particularly influential in motivating us,” she says, with gratitude.
WinMin thrives as an enterprise supporting over 10 active members. (Supplied)
Founded on World Toilet Day two years ago, Winmin, led by Rajeshwari alongside S Seela, V Mallika, and R Sagunthala, thrives as an enterprise supporting over 10 active members. Their active community engagement in constructing toilets has not only been improving sanitation coverage but also creating livelihood opportunities.
“Presently, our enterprise offers technical guidance, and financial support, and manages the construction process,” she adds.
The construction of toilets adheres to a loan-without-interest model. For instance, utilising an enterprise account of ₹1 lakh, a toilet costing ₹25,000 is built for the household in need. The beneficiary repays ₹500 every week. The enterprise only collects a non-refundable cost of ₹1,000. Upon full repayment of the loan, they proceed to construct the next toilet.
A robust system has been put in place, wherein individuals availing of the loan are provided with a card containing comprehensive details. This includes information such as the loan amount, the borrower’s name and address, the repayment schedule within the specified period, the number of instalments, and the start and end dates.
Beneficiaries are given a card containing comprehensive details. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
Winmin currently serves a senior citizen and a person with a disability as beneficiaries.
“Both needed specially tailored toilets to suit their specific needs,” she explains. “One individual has a nerve issue in their leg, while the person with a disability found it unpleasant to use their hands to manoeuvre through unhygienic toilets. They approached us for assistance. As a result, we constructed a combined bath and bathroom for the senior citizen and installed a western toilet for the person with a disability. Now, they no longer have to trek to the river or use unsanitary facilities,” she shares.
Other households have also been reaching out with requests. “As a small enterprise, we require some time to take on more. It’s an ongoing process. However, we’ve already begun constructing our fourth toilet,” she notes.
Their toilets diverge from conventional septic tank systems, ensuring sustainable usage. While poor faecal sludge management remains a concern, these women are creating an impact by linking the toilets they build to biodigesters.
“This system eliminates the task of frequent emptying of faecal sludge from septic tanks,” says Rajeshwari.
As she chats with South First, she pauses, reflecting on her journey, “It’s amusing how I’m explaining all this today.”
Their toilets diverge from conventional septic tank systems. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
“I used to be timid and didn’t know much. Similar to many households, my family members were apprehensive when I expressed my desire to start an enterprise. It was Amala ma’am, who visited and persuaded my family. Now, I meet people from larger cities and even other countries! They come here to observe our model. It’s truly exciting,” she enthuses.
“When I explain about the different types of toilets and safe sanitation practices to the people in my community, they are in awe. There’s been a noticeable change in perception. These are the same individuals who were uncertain when we women initially stepped out to start the SHG and enterprise. But to accomplish a good deed, one must endure hardships. I am content with where we are now,” she shares.
With family members involved in sanitation work, she remarks, “The perception of people working in sanitation is gradually changing. We are agents of change, and I hope for a better future for everyone,” she adds optimistically.
The enterprise is dedicated to creating sustainable income-generation opportunities for women in the long term.
The enterprise is dedicated to creating sustainable income-generation opportunities for women in the long term. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
“Our goal is to organise skill training workshops across various fields. I’ve received training in masonry. Hence, when we construct toilets, I actively participate in the building process. Similarly, we aim to offer women training in diverse skills such as basket making, tailoring, beautician training, e-centre training and more,” she explains.
Approximately 100 out of the 147 families in the locality currently lack toilets in their households. “In the coming year, we aim to construct a significant number of toilets to address this pressing need,” she shares.
When asked about the impact of the venture on her, she responds promptly.
