Address :Azahar Plaza ( 5th floor ) Ka-66/1 Kuril Courasta, Vatara, Dhaka-1229 Bangladesh
E-mail :Pinky.badhan@yahoo.com Or bhs.linkup@gmail.com Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Organizational Identity: Full legal name (business name):
BADHAN HIJRA SANGHA
Acronym (where applicable):
BHS
Date of Inception
2001
Legal status: BHS registered with Directorate of Social Service under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh in the year of 2003 vide registration no. Dha (X) - 07462, Dated 27.10.2003, Dhaka. Nationality:
Bangladeshi
Official address: Badhan Hijra Sangha, Ka- 66/1, Azahar Plaza3rd Floor), Kuril Chowrasta, Badda, Dhaka – 1229 Contact person:
Pinky Sikder, President, Badhan Hijra Sangha
Organizational strength
Number of service centre
Total staff : 74 (including Projects) Management : 07 Non-management :55 Support Staff : 12 4 DICs
Coverage
11,300
Networking organization
National STI/AIDS Network
Telephone no:
880-28849741 Mobile: 01712755237
E-mail address:
pinky.badhan@yahoo.com bhs.linkup@gmail.com
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Background of Badhan Hijra Sangha Biological distinction of human being is a universal truth around the world but there is another characteristic of people live beside the general characteristics of people those are deviated from the society and bearing unrecognized human life. The Transgender/Hijra peoples are surviving within a neglected status in terms of availing their rights, identity, less access in employment, social entitlement, economics activities and so on. They face tremendous discrimination, injustice and abuse by the various power people which is affecting their livelihood seriously. They are totally isolated from the general population and most of the Transgender peoples have no earning sources due to their social, religious, cultural restrictions and lack of the capacity of life management skills. They have existed within the social restriction regarding their mobility, no voting rights as third gender. To address those extreme vulnerable situations a group of young, energetic, dynamic local Hijra sex workers established the Badhan Hijra Sangha (BHS) in 2001 by the support of Care Bangladesh. BHS started working as a grass root Community Based Organization (CBO) to mobilize the transgender/Hijra community for establishing their identity as Third Gender. BHS is the only CBO which is organized and implemented by the transgender people. The organization obtained legal status from the Department of Social Welfare Services, Ministry of Social welfare of Bangladesh. The BHS Registration number is: U- 07462 date October 2003. BHS aims in advancing the disadvantaged Hijra (transgender) community through ensuring their human rights, building self-esteem, increasing mutual respect, developing skills and capacity to address their felt needs that includes health care, shelter, sanitation, education and increasing access to the existing state services as the other do. BHS mainly is straggling on the areas of creating awareness among Transgender ( Hijra ) community about their general and sexual health; establish Basic human rights, civic rights, and social rights; networking with national, international GO/NGO /institutions; provide legal supports, protect violence and trafficking, advocacy with different level of stakeholders, provide skill development training for alternative livelihood options, establish good governess and practicing democratic norms, group dynamics, take initiative to stop physical violence and reduce economical discrimination. In the period of 2001 to 2014 , BHS implemented 6 number of projects with the financial and technical assistance of international Donor agencies like: Family Healthcare International (FHI)/ USAID, HASAB/DFID/MJF, World Bank, TREE ,UNICEF, CARE, Manusher Jonno Foundation, ICDDR’B/global fund and Link up/BUZA/Dutch ministry etc. Working Areas of the Organization: Dhaka City, Gazipur, Sylhet, Sreemongal, Habigonj, Sunamgonj
Goal
Mission
Vision
To establish Hijra’ human rights, dignity and social justice through community mobilization, empowerment, and advocacy on structural change Our mission is to serve hijra community drawing strength from community experience for livelihood security, recognition as third gender population, human and sexual rights, strengthening capacity for self help, community empowerment, providing economic opportunity, influencing policy decisions related to hijra population, addressing discrimination and violence against hijra. We hope a world where hijra are not excluded, stigmatized and live in dignity and justice. Badhan Hijra Shangha will be a community force dedicated to win rights of hijra community.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Objective
Ongoing projects
To establish human rights of hijras To protect violence against hijras Building networks/alliances Advocacy with national/local level policy makers, lawmakers, political leaders, opinion leaders, religious leaders, professional ledgers, media persons on issues related to objectives To establish recognition of hijras as third gender population To arrange skill development training for alternative livelihood options To address felt needs of hijra population: Shelter, Sanitation, Adult education, Health care & Treatment facilities, and other perceive needs. To organize improvement of general health, sexual health, and prevent HIV/AIDS, provide support and care for HIV positive people among hijra population To establish good governess and practicing democratic norms.
01) Link up Project , Funded by HASAB/BUZA ( Dutch ministry)
1. Major objectives of the program were create a supportive environment for STI and HIV prevention through social mobilization 2. Promote risk elimination and reduction 3. Provide VCT and counseling services & VCT services 4. Create awareness for TB diagnosis 5.
Strengthen referral network and increase knowledge.
6. Behavior change communication through Peer education
Ongoing activities
7. One to one & group education session 8. Condom promotion 9. STI & general health service including referral 10. TB Sputum collection & referral service 11. Training on advocacy and human rights & Gender & HIV AIDS 12. Networking with different GO/NGO and stake holders and formed alliance with like-minded organization and alternative life skill training for the transgender community were the focused services under this project. 13. Orientation Session with Local Elites, Ward Commissioner, House Owner, Imam, Journalist, Pharmacy, Shopkeepers, Teacher on Social and Legal Rights of Transgender and HIV AIDS. 14. Observed related Days like World AIDS Day, Human Rights Day, Dignity Day etc.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Future Plan
1. Start Income Generation Activities (IGA) among Members and Beneficiaries level. 2. Extend working area and increase beneficiaries across the country 3. Expand collaboration with like-minded organization, allies, supporters, and donors for fund raising and its sustainability 1. 2. 3. 4.
Member of Networking/ Collaboration
Member of Sex Worker network of Bangladesh STI Network of Bangladesh CCM Member (alternative) Constituency member and focal point AP-RCEM (Asia-Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism)
Publications on Sexual Health & rights
There are a lot of success story, a lot of elements, and a lot of experience but due to financial deficiency, BHS are not able to publish any literature
Estimation of Transgender in Bangladesh Transgender Population (Hijra) A self-identified term used by males who define themselves as “not-men/not women” but as a “third gender”. Hijras cross-dress publicly and privately and are a part of a social, religious and cultural community. Ritual castration is part of the hijra identity. Sex with men is common. They also have their own language, known as Ulti. The 2009 size estimation did not cover this population group. The size estimation done in 2005 estimate is 10000-15000 (Source: National AIDS STD Program (NASP), 2006). Categorized of Hijra (Transgender) Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth. Hijra (Transgender) concept is different from others country in Bangladesh, because this term hijra is used in sub-continent especially in Bangladesh, Sri-Lonka, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan. It is professional term. It is meaning that it is a culture. Other country of the world is not followed by the culture. So in our country there are three types of Hijra that are most familiar in broad sense: - Chhibry, Zanana and Kothi. But regionally they are categorized in following 1. Badhai Hijra : Badhai – Blessing of fertility for new-borns babies and newlyweds and Hijra who beg subscription from shops and workshops for their livelihood or Collecting/Begging money from markets 2. Sex workers Hijra: Hijra who sell sex 3. Karibase Hijra/Kothi: The Hijra identifies themselves as Hijra but do not wear Chdra/cross dresses are called Karibase Hijra Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
4. Chadra wali Hijra : The Hijra who think themselves more feminine and wear feminize dress like Sharees, Kamiz etc. are called Chadra wali Hijra 5. Shibree Hijra: Some Hijras undergo an initiation ritual into the Hijra community called chhibry, which refers to castrate of penis, testicles and scrotum. Here MTF means Male who transition to Female. 6. Maiggya Hijra : The Hijras who wear petticoats under Lungi ( local clothes) and Wrinkle Towel on their neck are called Maiggya Hijra 7. Baburchi (cook) Hijra: The Hijras who cook in Hotel, Occasion as hire are called Baburchi Hijra. Their Guru ( Hijra leader) Chela (follower) all want to live on cooking. They prefer work to beg Transgender Groups (Hijra) criteria
Transgender (Hijra) are a highly marginalized and stigmatized population group whose social exclusion begins in early childhood
Abuse – physical, verbal, sexual, is common in all spheres of their lives, even within their own community
Traditionally Transgender (Hijra) did not sell sex but with the changing social and cultural context, the majority sell sex, lacking alternative income sources. Selling sex is not condoned by the Transgender (Hijra) community.
HIV is less than 1%. Active syphilis rates were high and although they started to decline, since 2004-05 they have started to rise again. Considerable proportions complained of STI symptoms but as for MSM, laboratory diagnosis for STIs other then syphilis is not available.
Transgender (Hijra) reported high client turnover and almost none used condoms consistently.
Group sex was common and often forced.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Problem identification There is growing evidence that indicates significant levels of Hijra who have sex with males in both urban and rural areas in Bangladesh as well as the existence of substantial levels of male commercial sex workers in urban areas. With this are the high level of sexual activity and multiple sexual partners by these males, significant levels of sexual access to females by many of them including their wives, low levels of condom use and safer sex practices, with the concomitant high risks for HIV and STI transmission from these males to their sexual partners. According to 4th round sero and behavior survey report, HIV prevalence rate among the Hijra’s is 0.8%. The socio cultural, country legislation and religious value also put them more vulnerable. The issue of Hijra sexual behaviors and their impact upon the sexual health for Hijra has profound implications for a potential STD/HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country. Because of cultural, religious and social reasons these behaviors are to a large extend invisible, often difficult to access in terms of standard sexual health promotion frameworks. The livelihood picture of the transgender (Hijra) peoples is vulnerable in the country. Their livelihood depends on the selling sex or someone collecting goods from the markets. Most of the transgender peoples have not access to others earning sources due to social, religious, cultural reasons. At present HIV/AIDS is evolving as burning issue universally. Bangladesh is not beyond this situation. STI rate among Hijra is quite high. As the Hijra's are directly involved in sex work & they do the sex work in rectum. So they are most vulnerable & risky in spreading HIV/AIDS. Hijra's are deprived from usual /general/conventional hospital providing health services & they are not much interested to take services from hospital. Besides this they have no interest about health awareness and safer sex practice/behavior. For the above mentioned reasons it is very essential to implement the long term STD, HIV/AIDS prevention & control program among Hijra Community. Category wise problems identification of Transgender in Bangladesh: Risk of HIV infection
Marginalized group Multiple sex partners Sex with males, Female Anal sex practice They have female partner Professional blood donor STI rate high Low condom used rate Hepatitis B+ rate high Tuberculosis (TB)
Family problem: They have to detach from family due to different type of behavior ( feminizing )/ become Transgender (Hijra) Deprived from assets & properties ( from Parents ) Others member of the family behave roughly In some cases, even family of transgender have to single from society due to born TG child in the family Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Social problem:
Transgender people cannot move freely in the society like others They cannot sit on the vehicle with others ( Male /Female) They cannot live in the society with dignity ( everybody neglect them) Classmates cannot mix with Transgender students. The classmates criticize, tease & neglect. As a result, they dropout from school life earlier Constraint in employment and no opportunity Even they are terminated from job if disclose the identity House owner did not give them house rent Not even get proper Job opportunity Harassment from muscleman/ police & other people They are comic element to the society and to the people and sometimes they are ridiculed and feared in our culture Village people consider them as crops of curse & turpitude. Our culture does not tolerate anything that departs from the common.
Health related constraint The probability of contamination of STI, sexual disease including HIV /AIDS is very much high among Transgender people due to risky behavior No male nor female doctor did not interest to serve the Transgender people If any Transgender people come to Doctor with STI syndrome , Doctor grew into fire when informed about case of anal sex Lack of appropriate sexual health Can’t access mainstream sexual health service Mental & homophobia make Sometimes suicide tendency among Transgender (Hijra). Marginalized group Multiple sex partners Sex with males, Female Anal sex practice Professional blood donor Deprived from medical treatment/service Economic Constraint Economic aspects of exclusion include barriers to employment opportunities Constrained access to commodities, and livelihood opportunities Little access to employment Due to deprivation from family, they are homeless
Cultural Constraints Barrier / Obstacle in social activities due to their cross dress No access in religious festival or worship The transgender possess a certain norms, behaviours, cultural practices, and lifestyles which exclude certain individuals or groups.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Political aspects Deprived from justice ( there is no article in the constitution of Bangladesh about Transgender people) They are deprived from right of votes as nothing statement in the constitution about Transgender They are deprived from citizens’ rights, including restricted access to organizations, voter rights, legislations, constitutions, and decision-making in policy Constraints of Gender aspect: Gendered exclusion was only considered in the case of women in various settings but in Bangladesh, transgender are not considered as gender though recently Bangladesh govt. declared the transgender people (Hijra) as third gender but not yet gazetted. Religious Constraints: The Hijra in Bangladesh are predominantly Muslim Bangladeshis, as other South Asians, respect Hijra out of fear but at the same time, especially with the increasing spread of Islamist predication, overtly condemn their existence. 1. They can’t take participate in religious activities or festival 2. They can’t go to Mosque to say their prayer 3. Hijra has a tragic history during burying. Religious Leader don’t permit to burry regarding whether treat the dead body as male or female. Discrimination & Stigmatization Bangladeshi Hijra (Transgender) are comic element to the society and to the people. Sometimes they are ridiculed and sometimes feared in our culture. Somebody show curiosity to the Hijra that how is the creature of nature. Village people consider them as crops of curse & turpitude. Our culture does not tolerate anything that departs from the common. Hijra face prejudice and discrimination at every turn. Marked out by their sexual difference. Because of particular sexual behaviour and body language, they are often very stigmatize in the society. In conquence of the above mentioned situation Hijra community
(Transgender)
Engaged with Hijra (Transgender) community due to be deprived from family Engaged with Hijra (Transgender) occupation Depart from society or religious having no Privilege in the society Live in slum area as restricted rental opportunity in the apartment with other dweller / resident Involved with risky
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
occupation having no opportunity of employment in public or private sector which get them many transmitted disease along with HIV/AIDS Deprived from education due to drop out from school level No contribute in the development activities in the society due to having no opportunity Trans-culture The everyday life of Bangladeshi Hijra is far from being a laughing matter. Earlier, the Hijra used to sing and dance when a new baby was born. Sometimes they are also hired to dance at weddings and to celebrate the arrival of newborn babies. Hijra are also largely hired for entertaining weddings, birth rituals and other celebrations in rural Bangladesh. It is even believed that they can get rid of bad luck. This was one of their major earning sources. With the spread of modern forms of entertainment, the Hijra’s culture is decreasing. Increasingly. Now they are compelled to earn our living by collecting money /subscription from shopkeepers, house owner, and walkers.
Hijras get little sympathy from society. They are commonly subject to ridicule and rejection. Naturally, survival instincts make them live together as far as possible. They live in small groups and each headed by a senior leader called Guru Ma, who trains the newly joined Hijra to dance, to sing, and to use musical instruments Hijra are however gradually losing their traditional occupation, making it hard for them to survive. Most live an isolated life and even families abandon them. Some of transgender (Hijra) are castrated male sex organ to be more feminizing and shaped as like as female sex organ according to the rules of this community. Many of them try getting this operation done in the hands of quack doctors and die accidently. There are some oral rules and laws among Transgender (Hijra) which are strictly followed by them. Livelihood In the last two centuries, Hijra progressively struggled against marginalization, harassment, malicious rumors, and denial of human rights and lack of resources.” Consequently the number of Hijra turned to prostitution dramatically. This is because according to Hijras, they are not given any support by the government or local authorities. In absence of proper recognition, Hijra are not being able to find themselves a suitable job. Hence the Hijra are losing livelihood in an increasing rate. As an alternative, the Hijra are choosing the option of being sex worker. Sometimes The Transgender (Hijra) are being compelled to work in the sex industry, as they are not readily accepted elsewhere.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
Harassment
Harassment: Following Type of Harassment and Violence Hijra Population Are Facing:
Beating Sex without Payment Sex without consent Snatched Scolding Teasing Shoeing away Restricting interaction with others
Potentiality: In spite of constraint of Transgender people in Bangladesh, some of them has taken a place by their alternative livelihood i.e. Video editor (ATN –TV Channel), Tailoring, Beauty parlors and some are trying to be highlighted by their dance performance and fashion show.
Current situation of this organization: Though BHS had been working since 2003 being registered by Department of Social Welfare Services, Ministry of Social welfare of Bangladesh, it was not registered by NGO bureau Bangladesh due to foreign donors’ commitments. Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities
ď ś About 2000 thousand Transgender people are deprived from outreach service in Dhaka (The capital of Bangladesh) city due to Modhumita project financed by FHI/USAID and other project being recently closed. ď ś About 200 Peer educators/ Outreach workers & Volunteers are jobless. As a result they are getting involved in sex work activities for their livelihood.
Conclusion: Badhan Hijra Sangha (BHS) is a voluntary and nonpolitical Organization." BHS" is dedicated to establish the rights of the Hijra community as well as socio economic development. BHS has a dynamic vision and mission. BHS has two committee; one General Committee comprised of 132 Members and another one is Executive Committee comprised of 11 members headed by President. BHS hope a world where Hijra (Transgender) will not be excluded, stigmatized and live in dignity and justice.
Supporting Sexual & reproductive health and rights of sexual minorities