Nestled in the southern part of Rajasthan, Dungarpur was once a district grappling with the deep-rooted issue of open defecation. In those days, women had to wait for the cover of darkness, facing discomfort, fear, and vulnerability just to meet their basic needs. Words like sanitation and health were distant concepts for most villagers. But in 2010, a seed of transformation was sown when FINISH Society began its journey in Dungarpur.

The change did not come overnight. Working across 44 Gram Panchayats in rural Dungarpur, the FINISH Society focused on community-driven behaviour change. Through street plays, community meetings, dialogues with women’s groups, and child-led outreach to families, the message slowly began to resonate. Local leaders, teachers, and—most notably—women emerged as the backbone of this movement. What made the transformation truly inspiring was that the community didn’t just participate—they took ownership. Women shared powerful testimonies of their daily struggles and how the construction of toilets brought them dignity, safety, and a renewed sense of self-worth. This was not just about building toilets; it was a journey of empowerment, self-respect, and growing social consciousness.

By 2015, all 44 Gram Panchayats in Dungarpur were declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). This achievement wasn’t just about infrastructure—it marked a shift in mindset and behaviour. Dungarpur became one of the first districts in India to achieve ODF status under the first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The district’s remarkable success was officially recognized through awards from the Dungarpur Municipal Council and the Government of Rajasthan.

The partnership between Dungarpur and FINISH Society did not end there. The district continued to excel in sanitation efforts, consistently ranking as one of the cleanest in Rajasthan during subsequent Swachhata Surveys. This sustained success stands as a shining example of what is possible when governments, organizations, and communities unite for a common goal.

This is a story of change. A story of how a small district sparked a movement, proving that sanitation is not just about facilities—but about people, pride, and collective progress.