Society often discriminates against the LGBTQIA+ community, denying them equal opportunities, respect, and support. But stories like Madhuri Vairage’s show that change is possible. With the dedicated efforts of Pritesh Kamble, Head of the Inclusion Unit at CYDA, and strong support from United Way Hyderabad, Madhuri’s journey of courage and transformation came to light. Through inclusive programs, she was able to rise above marginalization and build a life of dignity. Their joint efforts are helping break social barriers, support the transgender community, and move toward a more equal and empowered society.
But how did she get here? What challenges did she overcome? And how did CYDA’s support change her life? Let’s dive deeper into Madhuri’s incredible story to find out.
A Journey of Resilience: The Inspiring Story
In a world where acceptance still remains a distant dream for many in the transgender community, Madhuri, a proud transgender woman from Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, stands as a living example of determination and resilience. Her inspiring journey goes beyond financial success; it’s about breaking societal barriers and creating her own identity in a world that often refuses to accept individuals from the transgender community.
Facing Rejection and Societal Prejudice
As a transgender woman, she faced harsh rejection, discrimination, and prejudice from society. The stigma associated with her identity often left her marginalized, with limited opportunities for financial independence. Despite possessing immense potential and a strong work ethic, she found herself boxed into stereotypes that dictated what she could and could not achieve.
But Madhuri was unwilling to accept a fate dictated by societal norms. She firmly believed in her principle: “It’s better to earn through hard work than to live by begging.” Determined to lead a life of dignity and financial independence, she decided to carve her own path—one that would challenge expectations and prove that transgender individuals, like anyone else, could run businesses and contribute meaningfully to society.
Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap: Setting Up a Paan Stall
With limited resources but an abundance of determination, Madhuri decided to start her own business—a small betel leaf (paan) stall. However, the journey was tough and she faced numerous challenges, including:
- Encroachment issues: Finding a stable location for her stall proved to be a constant battle.
- Customer trust: Many hesitated to buy from her simply because of her gender identity.
- Financial constraints: Initial investments were difficult to arrange, making sustainability a concern.
Yet, Madhuri refused to be discouraged. Every challenge became a stepping stone, pushing her to work harder and stay committed to her dream.
A Guiding Light: Finding Support in Tough Times
Madhuri’s life took a positive turn when she was introduced to CYDA (Centre for Youth Development and Activities), an organization dedicated to support and empowering marginalized communities, including transgender individuals. The team reached out to her, providing valuable information about their programs and initiatives.
Through CYDA, Madhuri received:
- Entrepreneurial training: Equipping her with skills in business management, customer engagement, and financial planning.
- Financial aid of Rs . 10,000/-: A crucial investment that helped her scale her small business.
- Moral and emotional support: Encouragement from CYDA mentors who believed in her potential.
This assistance became a turning point for Madhuri, giving her both the confidence and resources to bring her dreams to life.
From Struggle to Stability: The Growth of Her Business
With the grant received, Madhuri set up her paan stall. Initially, her monthly income was around Rs . 10,000/-. However, through hard work and sincerity, determination and efficient management, she gradually grew her earnings from Rs . 15,000/- to Rs . 20,000/- per month. Her business not only provided her with financial stability but also empowered her with self-dignity and a sense of accomplishment. No longer dependent on society’s acceptance, she had created her own space where she was valued for her work and not judged for her identity.
A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Madhuri firmly believes that transgender individuals can run businesses just like anyone else. “All we need is the right opportunity and a little support,” she says. Her success story serves as an inspiration, proving that determination and hard work can overcome even the toughest challenges. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to CYDA and its team, particularly Pritesh, Chandan and Milan, for their invaluable support. “CYDA gave me the direction I needed to turn my dreams into reality. Their guidance and assistance have changed my life,” she shares.
