By Michelle Villar Cervantes | Communications Intern, BRAC USA
Overcoming poverty is a tremendous challenge for anyone, but for people who also face oppression and marginalization for who they are or where they come from, escaping the poverty trap can seem impossible. Yet, with the right tools, opportunities, and hope, there is always a way.
Cynthia's story is a perfect example: An artisan, entrepreneur, and transgender woman, she went from experiencing poverty and hardship to growing her fashion empire and uplifting other transgender people in her community.
At a young age, Cynthia realized she was different. She was not interested in what boys tended to be interested in, and she felt like a girl. “I was born a boy, I looked like one. But with each passing day, I began to feel more like a girl," she said.
While her mother was accepting of her identity, others were not. She was teased in school, and she eventually dropped out when her family fell on hard times and they were forced to move.
From her family's small tin shed in Dhaka, it was up to Cynthia to help support her family. She first learned to raise cattle,and started to grow a business selling milk. But when a disastrous flood struck the area, many of the cows fell to a deadly disease, and she was forced to shut the business down.
Later, Cynthia met a tailor in her neighborhood, and he agreed to teach her how to sew and tailor garments. The tailor worked for Aarong, BRAC’s flagship social enterprise and retail outlet that creates a platform for local artisans to sell their products at a fair price, and referred Cynthia to its headquarters.
Cynthia was given two designs and asked to turn in samples of her work. Upon her return to Aarong, Cynthia’s samples passed the quality check and she became a producer for Aarong. She made $350 on her first order.
Despite overcoming many obstacles to be taken seriously and create an opportunity to start a new career, Cynthia did not give up. She built her clothing business carefully and steadily, and as her business grew, she never compromised the quality of her work and always ensured she paid her workers fairly, earning her business a good reputation.
Today, Cynthia’s fashion empire, Bhuiyan Fashion, employs over 200 people, and she focuses on rehabilitating, training, and employing transgender people like herself.
Although Cynthia’s story is one of overcoming poverty and hardship, it is also one of triumphing as a transgender woman in Bangladeshi society. Her journey is a testament to what anyone, no matter their circumstances, can do when they are equipped with the opportunities and hope they need to change their lives.
“My story had a rough start,” Cynthia told us, “but I’m grateful for everything life has taught me. I tell myself every day – this is only the beginning. I’m only starting to fly.”
Thank you for your comittment to breaking the cycle of poverty for women and girls around the world. We are so grateful for your support.
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