Wednesday | 22 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Wednesday | 22 January 2025 | Epaper

Changing narratives of Eliza's path to dignity and progress

Published : Saturday, 7 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 2084
Ahasan Uddin Bhuiyan
Eliza, an inspiring entrepreneur from Bangladesh's Hijra community, has turned her challenges into opportunities, becoming a symbol of resilience and empowerment.She was born in a small village into a lower-income family as the sixth of eight siblings. 

Her early life was marred by hardships, discrimination, and bullying due to her gender identity. She faced relentless mistreatment from neighbors and relatives, forcing her to drop out of school. "I thought, I am a human being, but why is this happening to me?" she recalls. 

Despite these challenges, Eliza's determination and resilience have transformed her into a successful entrepreneur, a community leader, and an advocate for dignity and equality. She eventually re-enrolled and completed her graduation. Discovering the Hijra community provided her with a sense of identity and belonging, motivating her to pursue a life of dignity and purpose.

After completing her graduation against the odds, Eliza started a job but soon she recognized the limitations of traditional employment. "Soon I realized that I can't go far this way and I planned to start business, she remarked. Eliza then turned to entrepreneurship. She trained under the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Ministry of Youth, learning the skills to start her business of a small dairy and livestock farm, which now employs ten people.

Eliza's business focuses on sustainable agriculture and dairy farming. She rears cows and buffaloes, striving to cultivate organic vegetables free from harmful chemicals. Her vision of promoting environmentally friendly farming practices aligns with SDG Goals 8 and 10, contributing to economic growth and reducing inequalities.

However, her work is not without challenges. Limited financial resources prevent her from acquiring hybrid cows, which would increase milk production. Additionally, the use of chemically treated grasses reduces the nutritional value of feed, affecting milk yield. Eliza's dream of converting her farm into a cooperative venture underscores her commitment to creating a positive environmental and economic impact.

Eliza's contributions extend beyond her business. She actively participates in government and non-government programs, advocating for the dignity and rights of the Hijra community. Through awareness campaigns and training initiatives, she empowers her community members to achieve self-sufficiency.

Her leadership is instrumental in addressing systemic barriers faced by the Hijra community, including lack of access to financial services, family support and institutional resources. Eliza envisions a future where her community can lead respectable lives, transforming societal perceptions through honest and meaningful contributions.

The Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) has been a cornerstone of Eliza's journey. "Bandhu has been instrumental in helping individuals like me gain a foothold in society. The organization has countless success stories of empowering us by fostering our identity, providing employment opportunities and ensuring access to education, training, and awareness programs," she stated with gratitude. 

Eliza credits Bandhu for doubling her business potential. The grant she received allowed her to purchase cows, which significantly increased her dairy production. Bandhu's support exemplifies the importance of targeted interventions in uplifting marginalized communities.

Her success story is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and vision. She dreams of acquiring hybrid cows, expanding her organic farming efforts, and establishing a cooperative farm that addresses both community and environmental needs. Her contributions highlight the importance of creating inclusive opportunities, empowering marginalized groups, and promoting sustainable practices.

Eliza's journey from hardship to success is a beacon of hope for her community and beyond. By overcoming systemic barriers and inspiring others, she demonstrates the transformative potential of determination and support. With further institutional backing and societal acceptance, Eliza and others like her can continue to reshape narratives, proving that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and purpose.



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