Hijra community still faces discrimination in society: Speakers

Speakers at an event said the hijra community in Bangladesh still faces various forms of discrimination and social barriers, stressing the need for greater social acceptance and opportunities for their economic empowerment.

The remarks came at the unveiling of a book titled "Arunoday," which highlights the life struggles and success stories of entrepreneurs from the hijra community, marking International Women's Day.

The book was launched at an event titled "A Day in Her Life", organised by Bandhu Social Welfare Society at a city hotel in Kakrail, Dhaka, today (8 March).

In his welcome speech, Executive Director of Bandhu Social Welfare Society Md Shahidul Alam said the organisation has long been working for the rights and economic empowerment of the hijra and other marginalised communities.

He said "Arunoday" presents the stories of hijra entrepreneurs, their struggles, leadership, and success, which could inspire positive change in society.

Chairperson of Bandhu Social Welfare Society Tamanna Rahman, who presided over the event, said celebrating International Women's Day together made the occasion meaningful.

She added that the success of the entrepreneurs was inspiring.

"One must believe that if others can succeed, so can I. With determination and hard work, success is possible," she said, adding that Bandhu will continue to support entrepreneurs through financial assistance and incentives in the future.

Entrepreneur Priya Khan said incidents of violence against women are frequently reported in the country and women must rise to resist such injustices.

She said with support from Dhaka University and Bandhu, she was able to open a shop on the Dhaka University campus.

Mentioning that the hijra community is still not fully accepted in society, she said: "We must work together, and entrepreneurs should create employment opportunities for people from our community."

Entrepreneur Ifteja Ira said she had dreamed of doing something independently since her time at a private university but had no capital.

With support from Bandhu, she later managed to obtain a trade licence and startup funds. She expressed gratitude to the organisation for the assistance.

Another entrepreneur, Rani Chowdhury, said she once ran a food corner but had to shut it down due to the country's situation at the time. With financial support from Bandhu, she was able to reopen a new shop and restart her business.

Entrepreneur Abha Muskan Tithi said their journey forward had never been easy and that they had to overcome many social obstacles.

She added that she once failed to get a stall at a fair due to controversy surrounding transgender issues. Despite the setback, she continued her business online.

"Society has not yet learned to love us. So we must teach society how to love," she said.

Former chairman of Bandhu Social Welfare Society Anisul Islam Hiru said society must think about the hijra community alongside men and women.

Any new initiative faces obstacles at the beginning, but those who overcome challenges eventually succeed, he said.

Around 201 entrepreneurs from the hijra and marginalised communities took part in the programme.

The event also included a discussion on child protection and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), followed by a "Wish Tree" activity.