The Employment Field for the Hijra Community in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper offers an analysis on the current employment condition for the transgender community in Bangladesh. The transgender community in Bangladesh is highly stigmatized which has resulted in unavailability of jobs for the members of the hijra community. Our study shows that most of the Hijras in Bangladesh are uneducated, which limits the kind of jobs they can apply to. As per our research, most of the Hijras are willing to work and earn their own money, rather than collect money through begging on the streets. But the jobs that they are usually offered pays less than what they can earn through begging. This paper takes into account the position of the social welfare non-government organizations who are working for the welfare of the hijra community. And since social stigma about the hijras is a major issue, we have conducted a qualitative survey on the general public about their experiences and perspectives. The studies conclude that even though most of the participants in our survey reported to be harassed by the hijras at least once in their lifetime, they still disclosed that they would be fine working alongside with a hijra at a formal workplace as long as they behave well. All the social welfare non-government organizations have suggested keeping and strictly maintaining the quota system in the job sector for the hijras.