O Laila's journey in Warangal, Telangana, has been marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of an identity as a transgender individual. Forced to leave her native village early in life because of her gender, Laila chose to pave a path to empowerment and sought education as her path to empowerment. She holds a post-graduate degree and has played a pivotal role in educating transgender youth about the importance of education and work within her community.

O Laila envisions a world where every job is a viable option for transgender individuals, offering them the dignity they deserve. Her strong leadership and unwavering commitment led to the creation of the Modern Awareness Society (MAS), an NGO focused on addressing the challenges faced by the transgender community and urban poor. Since its inception in 2004, MAS has birthed seven transgender self-help groups in Warangal, a testament to O Laila's dedication.

Her relentless efforts earned her recognition when MAS secured a contract for operating and maintaining a community toilet in Warangal from the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) in June 2020. This achievement marked a significant milestone on the path to sustainable livelihoods and dignified lives for her community.

Having become a member of the City Sanitation Task Force (CSTF) of Warangal, which is groundbreaking for a transgender individual, O Laila has come a long way from being ousted from her community. She serves as a spokesperson for her community, advocating for dedicated toilets for transgender individuals and actively contributing to sanitation decision-making by GWMC. She continues to champion their cause and explore various livelihood opportunities across the sanitation value chain, driving positive change and breaking down barriers for the transgender community.

Bandi Manemma is a Septic Truck Operator who had always aspired to be an independent woman capable of meeting her own needs as well as those of her family. She tried establishing various ventures but none of them proved successful.

When the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) approached Bandi with an offer to engage in septic tank work, she was hesitant at first. Initially, she had reservations because she doubted her ability to invest in the business without sufficient funds. However, she overcame her hesitation since she had witnessed several people in sanitation business earning a decent profit. GWMC intervened and provided crucial support by facilitating a seven-year loan, enabling Bandi Manemma to purchase her own septic tank truck. Furthermore, equipped with training provided by GWMC on the proper utilization of personal protective equipment, she soon earned a license to operate the truck within the city limits. Since then, Bandi has cleaned over 36 septic tanks, leading to a notable improvement in her financial situation. Loan opportunities help individuals such as Bandi in becoming micro-entrepreneurs contributing to overall financial well-being and the opportunity to lead a dignified livelihood.

She aspires to see her children receive a quality education and progress in life, when she observes their dedication to their studies and ambitious dreams, it fills her with profound happiness and pride.

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Born in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, Valluri Kranthi's childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer became a reality in 2016 after graduating from IIT Delhi with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As the Municipal Commissioner of Karimnagar, she steered the city's sanitation initiatives, driving transformative changes in the way the city managed its sanitation services.

Karimnagar, a city in Telangana, faced sanitation challenges until 2007 when plans for a comprehensive sewerage system began taking shape under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns scheme. Kranthi's leadership ushered in a well-structured septage management mechanism, optimizing the capabilities of a Sewage Treatment Plant for co-treatment of faecal sludge.

Under her guidance, a City Level Sanitation Plan (CSP) was formulated in 2016, leading to a series of impactful initiatives. These included training of private septic tank cleaning operators and linking them to the ULBs, promoting responsible disposal practices. Additionally, a vibrant awareness campaign was launched to spread awareness about toilet usage and desludging, and operation and maintenance improvements, and an Auto Development Control Regulation process for toilet building approval were instituted, bolstering sanitation infrastructure.

Additionally, Kranthi's team established a 24x7 helpline and WhatsApp service for citizens to register complaints and request desludging services, ensuring swift redressal and feedback mechanisms. With a dedicated budget and comprehensive programs for marginalized communities, Karimnagar is positioned to achieve city-wide inclusive sanitation.

During the pandemic, Kranthi's focus on safeguarding sanitation workers was instrumental. She ensured that all 1300 workers were equipped with PPE kits and raincoats, backed by health check-ups and special financial incentives as a token of appreciation for their dedication. Championed by Kranthi's vision and leadership in executing ground-level measures, Karimnagar has taken big strides in city-wide inclusive sanitation.