What does it take to shift how a city sees its waste pickers — and how they see themselves? In this conversation, BBC Media Action reflects on its work with Saamuhika Shakti to foster dignity, professional pride and agency through the Invaluables campaign. From co-creating stories and music videos to engaging commuters, schools and resident communities, the work goes beyond just changing public perceptions. It creates opportunities for waste pickers to shape their own narratives, share their expertise and influence how their work is understood and valued. Ultimately, agency is not just about being seen differently, but about having the confidence, voice and space to shape one's own story and be recognised as a professional contributing to the city.

^{Video credit: BBC Media Action}