“Ms. Siri, a transwoman from Warangal district, has completed her B.Sc. degree in Nursing. Despite her qualification, she engages in begging as she is unable to get employed due to the stigma associated with her gender identity. During a coordination meeting with the Warangal Municipal Commissioner in May 2020, Ms. Laila, the President of MAS, raised the issue of livelihood for the qualified members of the community and also proposed initiatives for skill building. During the meeting when Siri’s case was discussed, the Commissioner proposed the idea of sanctioning a generic medical store for her. The MAS team discussed the same with Ms. Siri and she was thrilled at the prospect of starting her own store. During the subsequent meeting with the Commissioner, the approval for the medical store was received. Ms. Laila, also helped Ms. Siri in completing the formalities of receiving a bank loan for setting up the infrastructure of the store.
“My life has completely changed after having started this medical store. The people who come to the store treat me with respect. The other community members are getting inspired and feel that they can also engage in dignified professions. The Govt. officials also now feel confident that our community can take up jobs and do it well. I am grateful to MAS for having advocated for my livelihood and for the support they have provided me in staring the store. Ms. Laila, the President of MAS also helped me avail a loan of Rs. 3 lakhs from Canada bank to set up the infrastructure of the store…”Ms. Siri, Transgender, 28 years, Warangal district
“One more life changed on account of MAS’s coordination meeting with the Municipal Commissioner of Warangal. Ms. Shalini, a HIV positive transgender, has been associated with MAS since 2007. In the absence of any education qualification and skills, Shalini engaged in begging to fulfil her basic needs. However, some years back, her deteriorating health made it difficult for her to engage in begging. She approached MAS and sought our help for some work. Based on the call received from the Commissioner’s office, MAS staff asked her if she would be willing to take up the job of a community toilet caretaker in Deendayal Nagar of Hanamkonda. Ms. Shalini promptly consented to the work opportunity presented. A work agreement was made between the MAS and the Municipal Corporation and Shalini joined as a community toilet caretaker.
“When my health deteriorated, I could not go out to beg and had no money even for food. I suffered a lot and lost all hope. I approached MAS office and explained to them my circumstances. As always, they received as a family and motivated me to stay strong. They assured me work and before of their efforts, I am now working as a community toilet caretaker …..”Ms. Shalini, 32 years, Warangal district