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Tithi's Chondrolota: A Beacon of Empowerment and Cultural Pride

Published : Saturday, 9 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 4445
Ahasan Uddin Bhuiyan
In a society where diversity often challenges acceptance, Ava MouskanTithi, an inspiring entrepreneur from Bangladesh's Hijra community, has carved a space for herself and others. Her journey from nursing student to successful entrepreneur showcases resilience, courage, and the power of empowering marginalized voices.

Although born male in a respectable family, it became increasingly clear as Tithi grew up that she did not identify as a boy. Her father tried to "correct" this through treatment but without success. Labeled a "disabled child" and deemed a burden, Tithi endured social stigma due to her feminine traits. Yet, she remained determined to live openly within mainstream society.
Tithi's journey took a challenging turn in 2021, when, due to a lack of familial support regarding her gender identity, she left her home. Despite completing her nursing degree, Ava faced a stark reality when a patient refused her care because of her identity. The experience was a breaking point, yet it became the catalyst that pushed Ava to reconsider her path. She realized she wanted to prove her value and talent within mainstream society, not confined to a marginalized community. Drawing on her creative skills, she began designing handmade jewelry and sarees with just two thousand taka as her starting capital. 
Tithi's first venture was small but quickly successful. Through her Facebook page "Chondrolota," she sold out her initial sarees and handmade ornaments, spurring her to expand. She showcased her work at local fairs and the Dhaka Art Summit, earning ten thousand taka in sales. Despite challenges with stall bookings and rent, her business grew steadily. A grant from Bandhu Social Welfare Society helped her invest in sewing machines and storage. Her work reflects Sustainable Development Goals 1, 5, 8, and 10, which promote poverty reduction, gender equality, economic growth, and reduced inequality.

Her vision extends beyond personal success. She dreams of opening a store staffed entirely by members of the Hijra community, giving them a stable alternative to the limited employment options currently available. "There is very little scope of employment for Hijra people in Bangladesh," Tithi notes, explaining how many in her community are forced into begging or other vulnerable activities for survival. Tithi is determined to provide her community with dignified employment, aligning with SDG 8 by promoting decent work and economic growth.

Emphasizing Bangladeshi culture in her designs, Tithi's work celebrates her heritage. Her main products-sarees, handcrafted jewelry, travel bags and hand-painted accessories-blend traditional Bangladeshi art with her unique creative flair. She credits Bandhu for skill development training in areas like tailoring, beautification, and cooking, which have been instrumental in creating livelihoods within the Hijra community. Tithi herself learned tailoring through Bandhu's programs, adding another dimension to her business.

While Tithi has made great strides independently, she stresses the need for broader societal and governmental support to address the challenges faced by the Hijra community. She calls for government-led awareness campaigns to educate the public on the social, biological, and economic realities of Hijra individuals. Tithi envisions these campaigns as similar to public health initiatives for TB, HIV, or dengue, fostering empathy and understanding to reduce inequalities and promote inclusivity, aligning with SDG 10 on social awareness and inclusion.

For Tithi, achieving gender equality, employment opportunities, and safe working environments for the Hijra community are crucial steps towards true societal inclusion. "The family and society should be cooperative instead of isolating us," she says, calling on families to embrace their Hijra children with understanding and compassion.

Ava Mouskan Tithi is more than just an entrepreneur-she's a symbol of hope, empowerment, and progress. Through her business, she not only pursues her own dreams but also paves the way for others in her community to live with dignity and purpose. 

Tithi's story exemplifies the power of determination and the impact of small changes within communities, offering an inspiring roadmap toward a more inclusive Bangladesh.


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