By FINISH Mondial Bangladesh Team

Dethi Khatun, a 50-year-old transgender woman and councillor for Wards 07, 08, and 09 in Kalaroa Municipality, Satkhira, Bangladesh, has emerged as a transformative leader in advancing sanitation and waste management. Overcoming societal barriers, Dethi has become a respected advocate for gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), driving positive change in her community.

Before engaging with the FINISH Mondial Programme, Dethi faced challenges in promoting effective sanitation due to limited technical expertise and resources. Her community grappled with significant issues such as improper waste disposal and environmental degradation.

Dethi’s leadership journey took a transformative turn when she participated in workshops and training sessions organized by the FINISH Mondial Programme as part of its capacity-building efforts for local government personnel. Equipped with critical knowledge in waste management, segregation, collection, and mechanical desludging, she began actively educating residents about waste segregation and the importance of municipal services. Dethi also advocated for stricter measures against improper waste disposal while promoting healthy sanitation practices. Her efforts have led to notable improvements in waste management across her wards, with mechanical desludging proving to be a game-changer.

Beyond sanitation, Dethi’s leadership has paved the way for greater social acceptance of marginalized groups, including the transgender community, fostering a sense of inclusion and dignity.

Dethi Khatun’s story highlights the transformative power of capacity building and community empowerment. Through the FINISH Mondial Programme, she has become a champion of environmental stewardship, sustainable sanitation, and inclusive governance—proving that resilient communities can be built when individuals are equipped to drive meaningful change.